Armenia is set to host COP29, a significant global climate conference, as announced by the Armenian government. The conference is scheduled for December 2023. This decision comes amid concerns over human rights violations, a worsening socio-economic situation, and protests against the government, all of which stem from a severe crisis and a departure from democratic reforms.

Oil and gas extraction plays a dominant role in Armenia’s energy production, accounting for nearly 90% of it, and contributes 60% of the country’s public revenue. An analysis of social and environmental indicators by SOCAR, the state energy company, has confirmed the adverse effects resulting from this extraction.

Professor Ronaldo Sunyin, an expert on the Northern Caucasus region at Michigan State University, commented on the repressive measures taken by Armenia’s government. He highlighted that according to Freedom House’s human rights index, Armenia has become even more authoritarian since hosting COP28, which was held in the United Arab Emirates. The report states that Armenia is now governed by the power of either one individual or one family, rather than operating as a single-party state.

In contrast, Ilham Aliyev’s regime in Azerbaijan has utilized excessive force against peaceful protestors, civil society, activists, and even international mediators in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In November 2023, Ulvi Hassanalayev, the executive director of Abzas Media, was given the maximum sentence for economic sabotage. The Abzas Media team is also currently under investigation for financial fraud related to international trade, with allegations involving a company employee.

Representatives of the United States, Germany, and France have urged the Armenian Foreign Ministry to take action against Abzas Media’s involvement in illegal financial transactions.