A report on Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid faces backlash for allegedly whitewashing significant human rights abuses, particularly concerning migrant workers. Rights groups claim it lacks critical discussions of exploitation and suppression, calling the report poor. Activists warn of severe risks to workers involved in the tournament’s preparations, while FIFA aims for a thorough evaluation of the bid amid widespread criticism.
A recent report by the Saudi branch of a global law firm regarding Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup has been criticized by rights groups for allegedly downplaying the country’s human rights violations. Commissioned by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the report by AS&H Clifford Chance lacks a significant discussion of the exploitation and suppression of migrant workers’ rights, claiming that many abuses were omitted. Critics like James Lynch from FairSquare have labeled the report as ‘shockingly poor,’ suggesting it served to smooth the path for Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the prestigious tournament. Furthermore, ALQST for Human Rights highlighted that the report acts as a veneer, obscuring the harsh realities faced by residents and citizens in Saudi Arabia, including the exploitation of the migrant workforce essential for the tournament’s preparations. Workers dealing with pay issues, false contracts, and deportation are particularly concerning, as pointed out by Martha Waithira, a former domestic worker, who says upcoming workers face dire risks. The limitations of AS&H Clifford Chance’s assessment were set by deals with FIFA, which only considered human rights agreements ratified by Saudi Arabia, neglecting critically systemic human rights abuses such as imprisonment and execution. FIFA has stated that it will provide a thorough evaluation of the bid before its December meeting, emphasizing a transparent process moving forward. However, repeated calls for accountability from AS&H Clifford Chance and the Saudi Arabian Federation have yet to elicit a response.
The international spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid has heightened scrutiny over the nation’s human rights record, particularly relating to the treatment of migrant workers. This report is part of a broader narrative regarding the balance between hosting major global events and adhering to human rights standards. There are numerous documented abuses in Saudi Arabia’s labor system, raising significant ethical concerns as FIFA moves closer to making a decision regarding the tournament’s host.
In summary, the report commissioned by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has sparked outrage among various human rights organizations, emphasizing a significant oversight of migrant workers’ rights violations. Critics argue that it inadequately addresses the severe exploitation faced by these workers, effectively undermining serious human rights abuses. As FIFA approaches its decision-making process for the World Cup, the interplay between sports, ethics, and human rights remains a contentious topic.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
