Tue Nov 19 23:58:50 UTC 2024: ## COP29 Under Fire: Thunberg Condemns Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Record and Fossil Fuel Expansion

**Baku, Azerbaijan –** The opening of COP29 in Azerbaijan has been met with sharp criticism from Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who accuses the host nation of hypocrisy. In an article published in *The Guardian*, Thunberg denounced Azerbaijan’s reliance on fossil fuels, its expansion of fossil fuel production despite commitments to the Paris Agreement, and its egregious human rights record.

Thunberg highlighted Azerbaijan’s near-total dependence on oil and gas exports, stating that the country shows “no ambition to take climate action.” She further condemned the Azerbaijani government for its alleged involvement in ethnic cleansing, humanitarian blockades, and war crimes following a recent military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. This offensive forced the displacement of tens of thousands of Armenian residents.

The activist also criticized Azerbaijan’s authoritarian regime, citing the imprisonment and persecution of journalists, activists, and political opponents. She specifically mentioned the cases of human rights defender Anar Mammadli and political activist Gubad Ibadoghlu, both currently facing detention. Thunberg warned that the media portrayal of Azerbaijan during COP29 will likely be a “whitewashed” and “greenwashed” version, masking the country’s repressive reality.

COP29, which runs from November 11th to 22nd, aims to increase global climate finance. However, the controversy surrounding Azerbaijan’s human rights record and its commitment to climate action casts a long shadow over the conference’s proceedings. The ongoing discussions will determine whether any significant breakthroughs can be achieved amidst these considerable challenges.

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