With FIFA set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, human rights advocates call for independent oversight of the kingdom’s commitment to labor rights and civil liberties. A group of legal and human rights experts in Zurich emphasizes the need for ongoing reviews and a possible contract termination clause, urging FIFA to reflect on past controversies from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
As FIFA gears up to endorse Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, human rights advocates are invoking a fiery call for scrutiny regarding the kingdom’s record on civil liberties and labor rights. This fervor follows a gathering of legal experts and Saudi activists who descended upon Zurich, urging FIFA head Gianni Infantino to adopt ongoing reviews and consider a termination clause in the hosting contract. Echoing the lessons learned from the controversial 2022 World Cup in Qatar, these advocates are rallying for a more vigilant approach to ensure that Saudi Arabia meets specific human rights standards. With the signing of hosting contracts looming just months away, these experts stress that, unlike the past, there are no favorable excuses left for FIFA to overlook the pressing human rights abuses reported in the kingdom. British lawyer Rodney Dixon succinctly stated, “There are really no excuses now,” emphasizing the urgency for FIFA to act responsibly in making this historic decision. The concerns are particularly significant, given Saudi Arabia’s reliance on migrant labor for extensive construction projects needed for the World Cup, mirroring similar situations highlighted during the Qatar saga. Despite assurances of progress in social reform under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, civil society remains stifled in Saudi Arabia, where human rights violations continue unabated. Human Rights Watch has spotlighted “grave labor violations,” and activist Abdullah Alaoudh pointed out the deterioration of the human rights situation in the kingdom. As FIFA approaches its decisive online meeting to vote on more than 200 member federations, the advocates implore the organization to prioritize the dignity and rights of all workers involved in the grand spectacle of soccer’s premier event. With political ties binding Infantino to Saudi leadership, the advocates are pushing for accountability, urging FIFA to heed the red flags raised alongside the luminous promise of the World Cup’s potential to be a unifying event. They summarize their sentiment with a clarion call, wishing not only for a glorious tournament but for one that reflects the principles of justice and equality that sport embodies.
The article centers around the impending decision by FIFA to approve Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup. The alarming backdrop of this decision lies in Saudi Arabia’s notorious human rights record, particularly concerning freedom of expression and labor rights, especially in the context of previous allegations faced during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. As FIFA faces mounting pressure to implement robust human rights measures in their hosting agreements, the report highlights the involvement of legal experts and activists advocating for these checks and balances to ensure migrant laborers are protected and civil liberties are upheld. The historical context of FIFA’s approach to human rights compliance in past tournaments sets the stage for this critical examination of Saudi Arabia’s hosting capabilities amidst ongoing international scrutiny.
As the sands of time slip closer to FIFA’s decision on the 2034 World Cup, the chorus of advocates urging for human rights oversight grows ever louder. Highlighting the lessons learned from Qatar’s World Cup and the serious human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, they make a compelling case for accountability and oversight in hosting contracts. The stakes are high, not just for the tournament itself but for the dignity and rights of individuals who could be impacted by such a monumental event addressed through the lens of global scrutiny and support for fundamental human rights.
Original Source: kstp.com
