Human rights advocates criticize Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid assessment as “flawed” and “misleading.” The report ignores fundamental rights standards and selectively cites UN guidance without credible external input. Ongoing human rights abuses, such as mass executions and strict gender policies, raise concerns about the country’s ethical stance, amidst allegations of using sports for “washing” its image.
A recent report assessing human rights conditions as part of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup was criticized by eleven advocacy organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. They argue that the report, created by AS&H Clifford Chance in Riyadh, is fundamentally “flawed” and “misleading,” lacking acknowledgment of global human rights standards. The report selectively uses UN evaluations and does not engage with credible external voices, such as local human rights advocates. The report emerged as Saudi Arabia was making strides to host the World Cup. As the leading oil exporter, it quickly positioned itself as the sole bidder, expected to receive formal approval soon. Rights groups emphasized that the assessment omitted critical discussions of documented human rights abuses, which they say should inform any strategy related to the tournament. FIFA addressed the concerns, stating that all relevant reports concerning bidders for upcoming World Cups are accessible on their website. However, they clarify that their official evaluation report will only be released ahead of the December congress, which will confirm hosts for the 2030 World Cup. The issue of human rights, which sparked intense dialogue during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is likely to resurface as the 2034 World Cup approaches. Major human rights organizations point to grave violations like mass executions, torture allegations, and the oppressive male guardianship system affecting women’s rights. Critics underscore that illicit behavior, such as extramarital sex and same-sex relations, can lead to severe penalties in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, they highlight the challenges faced by migrant workers and the repression of free expression, which has resulted in substantial prison sentences for individuals critiquing the government on social media. Amidst various high-profile events, Saudi Arabia often faces accusations of using sports to shift focus from its less-than-stellar human rights agenda.
The backdrop of this controversy lies in the juxtaposition of sports and human rights, particularly in the Middle East. As Saudi Arabia seeks to elevate its global position through hosting major sporting events, it is met with heightened scrutiny regarding its human rights practices. The 2034 World Cup bid, therefore, stands at the intersection of athletic ambition and ethical considerations, recalling similar discussions sparked by the recent Qatar World Cup.
In conclusion, the independent human rights assessment regarding Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid has faced significant backlash for its selective and incomplete portrayal of the country’s human rights landscape. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for more transparency and inclusivity in these evaluations, which are critical in highlighting ongoing abuses. As the event draws nearer, the conversation surrounding human rights and sports continues to evolve.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
