A written declaration documenting torture and human rights violations in Azerbaijan was initiated at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The document, presented by the Human Rights Institute, which has special consultative status with the UN, emphasizes the unprecedented narrowing of the space for civil society in Azerbaijan during the period 2024–2025. Legislative norms adopted under the guise of regulating media, non-profit organizations, and the economic sphere are being used to suppress independent journalism and marginalize the political opposition. It is noted that mass detentions and repressive measures intensified in the lead-up to the COP29 climate conference and continued after its conclusion.

The declaration points to the systemic nature of torture, including the use of electric shock, physical violence, threats of sexual violence, and psychological pressure, used by law enforcement agencies to extract confessions from detainees. The document cites examples of such incidents involving academic Fazil Gasimov, economist Gubad Ibadoglu, and scientists Bahruz Samadov and Iqbal Abilov. Significant pressure on independent media outlets, including Abzas Media, Meydan TV, and Toplum TV, is documented. Criminal cases have been opened against their employees. As of 2025, the number of journalists in custody has reached at least 24.