This paper presents Amnesty International’s concerns on Azerbaijan’s human rights record and corresponding implications for Azerbaijan as a host country which aims to ensure effective discussions at COP29 and meaningful outcomes. These concerns include violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, reprisals against human rights defenders and journalists, an effective ban on independent human rights monitoring in the country, widespread violations of the right to a fair trial, and abuse of the criminal justice system for political purposes. The document provides recommendations to the Azerbaijani authorities on steps they can take to address the existing concerns and hold COP29 in an environment that respects and upholds the human rights of everyone in the country.
