Statement at the Third Committee of the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly
under agenda item 71: “Promotion and Protection of Human Rights”
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders
Delivered by Mr. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary
16 October 2025
Madam Chair,
Regarding the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders submitted under this agenda item, we stress that the attempt to portray the allegations about human rights defenders in the context of COP29, is unacceptable.
As the host of the 29th Conference, Azerbaijan pursued every effort to maintain a transparent, inclusive, and impartial process, which was commended by the UNFCCC Parties and Constituencies.
It was only the second time in the history of COPs that Azerbaijan, as the host of the Conference, provided a fully funded “Civil Society Hub” pavilion for the UNFCCC Constituencies, in particular environmental, women and gender and youth NGOs.
Madam Chair,
Azerbaijan provided detailed and verified information regarding the factual and legal basis of the relevant situations and objections to the groundless allegations made by the Special Rapporteur in her report.
In this regard, we emphasise that while making references to States, the special procedure mandate-holders shall always seek to establish the facts, based on objective, reliable information emanating from relevant credible sources, that they have duly cross-checked.
Thank you.
