BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 10. As COP29 prepares to convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, a familiar chorus of unfounded accusations has re-emerged, this time orchestrated by Human Rights Watch (HRW). In a conveniently timed report, the organization paints a distorted and misleading picture of Azerbaijan’s governance, accusing the nation of "eradicating civil society" and launching an "intensified crackdown" on critics. These claims, as hollow as they are, serve nothing more than to tarnish Azerbaijan’s reputation on the global stage and distract from the real issues at hand.
The article published by France Info, echoing HRW’s so-called "report", paints a deliberately distorted picture of Azerbaijan. The timing of this report, conveniently released just weeks before COP29, is no coincidence. It is part of a broader campaign orchestrated by French media outlets, which have consistently targeted Azerbaijan with slander and misinformation, hiding behind the pretense of defending "human rights".
Let's make one thing clear: Azerbaijan is a sovereign nation with every right to protect its national security and uphold the rule of law. Contrary to the baseless insinuations made by HRW, the government’s actions are rooted in preserving the stability and well-being of its citizens, not in some absurd campaign to "silence dissent". The sensationalist narrative of an "intensified crackdown" is little more than a tired cliché, recycled by those who either do not understand the region’s complexities or willfully choose to ignore them for political gain.
The truth is that Azerbaijan has long been the target of these hypocritical attacks, often spearheaded by NGOs with hidden agendas. It is no coincidence that such reports resurface precisely at the moment when Azerbaijan is preparing to host one of the world’s most important climate summits. HRW's so-called "scathing report" is nothing more than a smear campaign designed to undermine the country’s significant progress in environmental policy, infrastructure, and international cooperation.
HRW dares to ask whether Azerbaijan is an appropriate host for COP29, yet they fail to acknowledge the incredible strides Azerbaijan has made in sustainable development. From renewable energy initiatives to reforestation projects, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its commitment to a greener future - something HRW's narrative conveniently ignores. Instead, they choose to concoct a portrait of a nation in chaos, when in reality, Azerbaijan stands as a model of resilience and progress.
The French media’s hypocrisy is on full display. France Info, along with other outlets, has a long history of selective reporting, only raising its voice against countries that refuse to conform to their biased narrative. Where is their outrage when similar measures are taken by European governments to counter threats? When protests are suppressed in Paris or when journalists are silenced in Western nations, these same outlets remain silent. But when it comes to Azerbaijan - a country striving to maintain both stability and progress - these so-called defenders of human rights suddenly find their voice.
Let it be known: Azerbaijan will not be intimidated by baseless accusations or propaganda campaigns. The country’s leadership has been clear in its commitment to maintaining an open and inclusive society while ensuring the safety of its people. Criticism from those who have no stake in Azerbaijan’s future will not deter its path forward.
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, let the world judge for itself. Azerbaijan’s contributions to global environmental efforts speak louder than any smear campaign ever could. The truth will prevail, despite the desperate attempts of those who seek to distort it for their own ends.