On October 23, the European Parliament adopted a resolution addressing human rights violations and breaches of international law in Azerbaijan and the country's relationship with Armenia.

A total of 453 deputies voted in favor of the resolution, 31 voted against it, and 89 abstained from voting. In a joint statement regarding the resolution, parliamentarians expressed concerns over the choice of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, as the host city for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) scheduled for November of this year. They highlighted that this decision is controversial due to the country's worsening human rights situation and the clear international law violations.

The text stated that the host country, which is responsible for protecting human rights, must respect basic human rights and ensure the participation of civil society. However, it was noted that the government of Azerbaijan has intensified repression against civil society organizations, activists, opposition politicians, and independent media. Corruption and a lack of judicial independence have further weakened the administration.

The document highlighted that civil society organizations have identified over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including Gubad Ibadoglu, Anar Mammadli, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Tofig Yagublu, Ilhamiz Guliyev, Aziz Orujov, Bahruz Samadov, Akif Gurbanov, and many others. These organizations have compiled authoritative reports detailing human rights violations, including inhumane detention conditions, torture, and inadequate access to medical care.

In a document released by the European Parliament on the eve of COP29, the increasing repression by the Azerbaijani regime against activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and even EU citizens has been strongly condemned.

The government of Azerbaijan has been urged to release all individuals who were illegally arrested due to their political views, to drop all politically motivated charges, and to cease all forms of repression both within and outside the country.

In this context, the opposition politicians, civil society activists, human rights defenders, and journalists who were arrested from the summer of last year until August of this year—including Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Avaz Zeynalli, Alasgar Mammadli, Ilhamiz Guliyev, Farid Ismayilov, Anar Mammadli, Farid Mehralizadeh, Igbal Abilov, Bahruz Samadov, Emin Ibrahimov, and Famil Khalilov—are being called for release.

The document highlights deep concerns regarding the atmosphere of fear prevalent in the country, which has effectively silenced civil society.

Moreover, it calls for the safeguarding of press freedom and expression, emphasizing that media organizations should not face restrictions in their work.

In a joint statement from the parliamentarians, it was specifically noted that the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan are inconsistent with the country's role as the host of COP29. In this context, EU leaders are urged to use COP29 as an opportunity to remind Azerbaijan of its international obligations.

Additionally, there are demands to reduce the EU's dependence on Azerbaijani gas.