COP29 in Baku: Security Risks and Essential Preparations
COP29, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, will convene in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11-22 November 2024. As global leaders, activists, and organisations come together to advance international climate action, it's essential to recognise and prepare for the associated security risks at such a high-profile event.
What are the key themes this year?
This year’s COP is set to be a pivotal one, addressing essential climate finance commitments, loss and damage fund allocations, and adaptation strategies. Negotiators will work on setting new financial targets to support developing nations, increasing national climate commitments, and strengthening frameworks for climate resilience. COP29 will also be part of a "triple COP" year, aligning climate, biodiversity, and land restoration efforts for holistic environmental progress.
Is Azerbaijan Safe?
The security environment in Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku, ahead of the upcoming COP29 poses unique challenges. This years’ conference comes at a time of high global geopolitical tensions, and there is a possibility that stakeholder groups and actors involved in the various and multifaceted conflicts occuring around the world will use COP as an opportunity to highlight their cause.
Travellers to Baku generally find it a safe and secure city, with low crime rates and effective security measures, though petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Road safety can be a concern due to erratic driving, especially on rural roads, and traffic accidents are not uncommon. Regional tensions, particularly along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, mean that any travellers spending time in-country recreationally following the summit should avoid the border areas to steer clear of possible military activities and landmine zones. Health precautions, such as drinking bottled water, are advised, and visitors should be mindful of cultural norms, particularly outside the city, where conservative dress is appreciated.
(Figure 1. Source: COP 29: https://cop29.az/en/cop29-services/maps-and-roads)
Are there any other risks to delegates attending COP in Azerbaijan?
The Azerbaijani government has faced ongoing criticism for its restrictive approach to civil liberties, especially in regard to freedom of speech and assembly. In recent years, authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissidents, activists, journalists, and other civil society members. Approximately 300 individuals, including environmental and human rights activists, remain in detention on politically motivated charges. Prominent cases, such as that of Anar Mammadli, a noted human rights defender, highlight the risk faced by individuals who express opposition to government policies. Additionally, the Azerbaijani government has passed laws restricting NGO and media operations, limiting freedom of expression and making it challenging for civil society to operate independently, especially during events like COP29.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch warn of potential reprisals against activists who may seek to protest or raise concerns during COP29. These organisations, alongside others, emphasise the need for the Azerbaijani government to ensure that COP29 attendees can participate safely without fear of harassment, surveillance, or detainment. This concern is compounded by Azerbaijan’s past handling of protests, such as the June 2023 Soyudlu incident, where riot police forcefully broke up a peaceful environmental protest, resulting in injuries among demonstrators.
The UNFCCC and international delegations are being urged to advocate for transparency in the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with Azerbaijan, which should ideally include protections for freedom of assembly and expression to safeguard COP29 participants. Given the country’s record, delegations and attendees should prepare for a potentially restrictive environment and may wish to coordinate with security and human rights advisory services to mitigate risks associated with attending the conference in Baku.
Given Azerbaijan’s location, geopolitical dynamics, and recent instability in neighbouring regions, there's also a risk of “copycat” disruptive tactics, similar to those seen during the French Olympics in 2024. This could include targeted protests, symbolic displays, or minor acts of sabotage intended to draw media attention without substantial violence.
Preparing for COP 29
Organisations and attendees should adopt a proactive approach to security, considering both direct risks and collateral disruptions. Here are some key steps to enhance safety:
Comprehensive pre-travel briefings will help attendees understand the specific political and security context in Azerbaijan, as well as entry requirements and local laws.
Ensuring that any personal and electronic devices are secured is paramount. Foreign intelligence services are known to attend and be active at international summits, given the high concentration of government personnel from around the world.
Continuous monitoring of local security developments during COP29 is essential. This includes tracking announcements from activist groups and staying aware of potential protest zones around the Baku Olympic Stadium complex.
Attendees should prepare contingency plans for evacuation or shelter-in-place scenarios if unrest escalates. Understanding local emergency protocols and mapping nearby safe zones can be crucial.
Given the scale of the conference, official security will be heightened, but individual entities should liaise with local authorities to ensure a quick response in case of disruptions.
For individuals and organisations attending COP29, consider our travel security services for tailored assessments and briefing packages. Spotlight Risks can provide cost effective, in-depth situational analysis, risk mitigation plans, and ongoing support to navigate the unique challenges of COP29 safely. Reach out to us to ensure that your participation in this critical event remains secure and productive.
Let us help you stay prepared, so you can focus on making an impact at COP29.
