VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Azerbaijan: Prisoners

Asked by Joe PowellLabourForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 23 October 2024UIN 9858

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the arbitrary detention of prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The UK remains concerned at the increased number of detentions of independent journalists, human rights defenders and civil society representatives over the last year, and we continue to urge Azerbaijan to improve human rights protections for all its citizens; Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 in November provides the country with an opportunity to demonstrate meaningful action in this regard. The UK has consistently called on Azerbaijan to ensure that those in detention are afforded a fair trial and are provided safe conditions, in accordance with Azerbaijan's international obligations and commitments. British Embassy Baku regularly raises these issues with the Azerbaijani authorities at senior levels.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim