European Parliament passes resolution on human rights violations by Azerbaijan
Ahead of COP29 in Baku
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s human rights violations and urging the European Union (EU) to reconsider its energy partnership with the nation. The resolution, adopted on October 24, 2024, comes ahead of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), scheduled in Baku from November 11 to 22, 2024. It raises critical questions about Azerbaijan’s suitability as a host, given its ongoing repression of dissent.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support—453 votes in favour, 31 against, and 89 abstentions—highlights the systemic persecution faced by activists, journalists, and opposition figures, not only within Azerbaijan but also targeting EU nationals abroad.
In a statement, the European Members of Parliament (MEPs) have pointed out that the Azerbaijani government’s crackdown has intensified in the lead-up to COP29, arguing that such abuses contradict the principles the conference aims to uphold.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is encouraged to leverage the climate summit to address Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record. The MEPs have also insisted that the EU hold Baku accountable and emphasise the need to cease all forms of repression immediately. They are calling for the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and the dismissal of politically motivated charges against them.
The resolution also explicitly calls for ending the EU’s energy dependency on Azerbaijan. MEPs expressed concern that increased gas imports from Azerbaijan could be offset by Baku resuming imports of Russian gas, which poses significant geopolitical and ethical dilemmas for Europe.
They have urged the European Commission to suspend the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, stressing that future agreements must be contingent on tangible improvements in human rights conditions.
Moreover, the European Parliament’s resolution underscores the need for Azerbaijan to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace negotiations with Armenia. The MEPs have demanded the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian sovereign territory and adherence to International Court of Justice rulings, particularly following the 2023 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. They reaffirmed support for both countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for normalised relations and a long-awaited peace agreement.
The European Parliament has also called on EU member states to freeze military and security equipment exports to Azerbaijan. The MEPs warned that any further military aggression by Azerbaijan against Armenia would provoke serious consequences, reflecting the EU’s commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
This resolution is a critical reminder of the intersection between human rights and international diplomacy, particularly in global events like COP29. As the EU navigates its energy policies amid geopolitical tensions, the European Parliament’s stance on Azerbaijan will influence future relations and strategic decisions regarding energy imports and diplomatic engagements.
As the situation unfolds, the MEPs have emphasised that the EU must uphold its values and prioritise human rights in all external partnerships, ensuring that progress on environmental issues does not come at the cost of ignoring systemic injustices.
Featured image: On October 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s human rights violations and urging the European Union to reconsider its energy partnership with the nation. Credit: European Parliament
