“As COP29 approaches, the world should not ignore the plight of Azerbaijani political prisoners. Instead, it should use this moment to demand freedom, justice, and democratic reforms for the people of Azerbaijan,” writes Andrea Prasow of Freedom Now. This November Azerbaijan will host the UN COP 29 in Baku. International media and rights groups have continuously raised alarms about the worsening situation of human rights in the country under President Ilham Aliyev. Despite its role as COP29 host, Azerbaijan has suppressed independent voices through legal, political, and violent means, aiming to stifle dissent and silence journalists and activists. Today, there are more than 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including Dr. Gudad Ibadoghlu, Ulvi Hasanli, and Abzas Media’s Chief Editor, Sevinc Vagifqizi. The World Movement for Democracy urges the international community to support the fight for human rights in Azerbaijan.

Learn more here.