WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement as the international community plans to convene in Baku, Azerbaijan for the United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29) from November 11 – 22, 2024.
“Hosting a major international conference like COP29 should come with responsibilities and expectations that host countries allow frank discussion of information and issues, which requires recognizing freedoms of speech and assembly. Azerbaijan has not done so. If Azerbaijan seeks to create a durable relationship with the Euro-Atlantic community, I urge President Aliyev to release those unjustly imprisoned by his government, including Armenian detainees, and community activists who peacefully demonstrated against poor labor practices and harmful environmental impacts of the Chovdar gold mine operation.
“Azerbaijan has the potential to be an important member of the international community and partner to the United States, but to do so, it must release those like pro-environment former MP Nazim Baydamirli, anti-corruption advocate Gubad Ibadoghlu, democracy activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev, independent election monitor Anar Mammadli, anti-corruption focused editors and journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Mahammad Kekalov, Sevinj Vagifgizy, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, independent journalist Aziz Orujev activist Tofig Yagulblu, journalist Alasgar Mammadli, and economist Farid Mehralizada. Ahead of COP29 in November, I urge the Azerbaijani government to demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights by releasing these individuals without delay.”
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