Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg criticized the decision to hold the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Azerbaijan, labeling it as hypocrisy and double standards. She expressed this viewpoint during an event titled "Azerbaijan’s Aggression Against Human Rights and Nature," held at the American University of Armenia. The event was organized by the Armenia Climate Justice Initiative.
“There has been much discussion about ethnic cleansing, forced displacements, torture against Armenians, and the capturing of prisoners, resulting in severe physical and psychological suffering. These are unacceptable,” Thunberg stated. “What’s equally intolerable is the world’s silence. The ongoing hardships and suffering that Armenians have faced, and continue to face, due to Azerbaijan’s military aggression, including torture, forced displacements, and the plight of prisoners and hostages, are simply unbearable.”
Addressing human rights violations in Azerbaijan, Thunberg condemned hosting one of the world’s most significant climate protection events in a country that suppresses activists and silences those who seek change through imprisonment.
“Many Azerbaijani activists feel like they’re living in a prison,” she added. “While we are discussing these issues, civil society continues to face severe pressures.”
Tomorrow, on November 14 at 4:00 PM, the Armenia Climate Justice Initiative, with Thunberg's participation, will hold a demonstration in Yerevan in front of the UN office to protest COP29.
November 14, 2024 at 17:43