Amnesty International has urged FIFA to release a review examining its obligations to migrant workers who suffered while constructing stadiums and infrastructure in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. The review, conducted independently and approved by the FIFA Council in March, highlighted the need for FIFA to address the abuses related to the tournament.
This is not the first time Amnesty International has criticized the Qatari authorities for their handling of worker deaths during the construction leading up to the World Cup. The organization has pointed out extreme heat and unsafe working conditions as factors contributing to the high mortality rate among migrant workers.
Amnesty International’s head of Labour Rights and Sport, Steve Cockburn, emphasized the urgency for FIFA to make the review public and take concrete steps to address the human rights violations. With FIFA’s upcoming annual Congress in Thailand, Amnesty has called for transparency and accountability regarding working conditions in Qatar.
Delayed Response
Despite receiving the review several months ago, FIFA has yet to disclose or act on its findings. This delay in addressing the grievances of workers and families affected by the World Cup construction only prolongs their suffering. Cockburn stressed the importance of FIFA taking responsibility and committing resources to rectify the harms caused.
While acknowledging that FIFA cannot undo the past injustices, Cockburn highlighted the opportunity for FIFA to make a significant impact by taking decisive action to address the abuses. By fulfilling its human rights obligations and providing support to affected workers and their families, FIFA can begin to make amends for its role in the exploitation of migrant workers.
Amnesty International’s call for FIFA to publish the review on migrant workers in Qatar underscores the need for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup. It is imperative for FIFA to transparently address the human rights violations and commit to remedying the harms inflicted on workers, signaling a crucial step towards fulfilling its responsibilities and promoting fairness in international sports events.