Urgent Concerns Regarding COP29 in Azerbaijan
On behalf of the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden (UAAS), we seek your urgent attention regarding the upcoming COP29 conference, to be held in Azerbaijan in November 2024. As a Scandinavian grassroots organization, we ask you to raise the issues outlined below at COP29 and to use your position as an important part of the Swedish Civil Society to take a firm stand on these matters.
Holding such a prominent event in a country with a history of severe human rights abuses, including ethnic cleansing of an indigenous population less than a year ago, is deeply troubling and runs counter to the principles of justice that COP embodies.
Ethnic Cleansing and War Crimes: After nine months of starvation and blockade on the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh, Azerbaijan launched a military operation on September 19, 2023, committing ethnic cleansing of 150,000 Armenians. The European Parliament condemned this act on October 5, 2023. Azerbaijan had previously launched a full-scale war in 2020, resulting in mass casualties, including the use of banned cluster munitions. Azerbaijan is using COP29 to “greenwash” these crimes, and we urge you to advocate for the right of displaced Armenians to return home.
Illegal Detention of POWs: Azerbaijan continues to detain Armenian prisoners of war and captives, violating international laws. We ask you to support their immediate release.
Environmental Concerns: Azerbaijan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels contradicts the goals of COP29. The country's plans to increase gas production directly oppose global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Human Rights and Cultural Heritage: Azerbaijan's repression of journalists, activists, and opposition members is well-documented, with cases of arbitrary detention and harassment. Additionally, despite international orders, Azerbaijan continues to destroy Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno Karabakh, further destabilizing the region.
Lastly, Azerbaijan has banned European parliamentarians who criticized its human rights record, showcasing its disregard for democratic principles. We count on your support in addressing these concerns.
Our Demands from you as an important part of the Swedish Civil Society:
We respectfully urge you, as an important part of the Swedish Civil Society, to take decisive action and raise the following demands at COP29 and through other channels:
- Public Condemnation of Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Violations: Utilize your platform to publicly denounce Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh and its ongoing violations of international humanitarian law. It is imperative to call on the international community to hold Azerbaijan accountable for these atrocities.
- Insist on the Immediate Release of Armenian POWs and Captives: Urge Azerbaijan to fulfill its international obligations by releasing all Armenian prisoners of war and captives. Demand transparency regarding their status and ensure their treatment in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.
- Call for Sanctions and Diplomatic Pressure: Advocate for targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for ethnic cleansing, war crimes, illegal detention of POWs, and suppression of free speech. Urge Sweden and the EU to increase diplomatic pressure on Azerbaijan to respect human rights and international law.
- Demand the Safe Return of the Armenian Population to Nagorno Karabakh: Emphasize the right of the displaced Armenian population to return to their homeland under international protection. Insist that peace in the region is only achievable when Azerbaijan guarantees their safe return and respects their fundamental rights.
- Raise Concerns about Azerbaijan’s Environmental Policies: Highlight the contradiction between hosting COP29 and Azerbaijan’s continued investment in fossil fuels. Advocate for stronger environmental commitments and urge Azerbaijan to align its policies with the global climate agenda.
- Demand Protection of Armenian Cultural Heritage: Insist that Azerbaijan meets its international obligations to protect Armenian cultural heritage. Call on the international community to take concrete steps to prevent further destruction of heritage sites and ensure accountability for damages already caused.
- Oppose Azerbaijan’s Attempts to Suppress Democratic Voices: Challenge Azerbaijan’s attempts to silence European parliamentarians and political voices who speak out against its human rights abuses. Advocate for the inclusion of all voices in global dialogues such as COP29 and stand against the use of intimidation tactics to suppress dissent.
- Encourage Sweden and the EU to Reevaluate Their Relations with Azerbaijan: Demand that Sweden and the EU reassess their political, economic, and diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan in light of its human rights record. Any further cooperation should be conditional on Azerbaijan’s adherence to international human rights standards.
We are fully committed to supporting you throughout this process and stand ready to provide any assistance or additional information you may require. Whether through detailed reports, expert consultations, or facilitating dialogue with affected communities, we are here to collaborate in any way that helps strengthen your efforts to address these urgent issues.
Sincerely,
Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden (UAAS)
