Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In just 82 days, world leaders will descend on Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the global climate conference, COP 29. I have concerns that Azerbaijan is hosting this significant event. COP 29, like its predecessors, is a conference designed to increase global cooperation, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions and reducing global warming. It is now more important than ever that the world acts cohesively in order to achieve this goal and to ensure a transition to net zero economies, conscious of the economic opportunities that exist with this, particularly here in Australia. Azerbaijan's environmental record is one of pollution and degradation, with vast areas of the country marred by oil spills and unchecked pollution, making it one of the most ecologically devastated regions on our planet.

Worse still, Azerbaijan's actions go beyond environmental negligence. Azerbaijani leadership has manipulated climate rhetoric to cover up its human rights abuses. A glaring example is the blockade of the Lachin corridor, which eventually resulted in the displacement of 120,000 ethnic Armenians from the Nagorno-Karabakh area. The world has watched in horror as vital humanitarian supplies have been blocked by Azerbaijan, including food, medical supplies and vital utilities. This act, falsely presented as an environmental protest, has been condemned by leading international voices as an attempt to cleanse the region of ethnic Armenians.

By granting Azerbaijan the privilege of hosting COP 29, the international community sends a dangerous message. I urge this government to take a principled stand and boycott COP 29 in Azerbaijan. (Time expired)