Amnesty International has called for FIFA and countries bidding to host the 2030 and 2034 World Cups to agree to binding commitments and legal reforms to prevent human rights violations connected to the tournament. The human rights organization emphasized the importance of rigorous and transparent bidding processes, stakeholder participation, independent human rights risk assessments, and comprehensive human rights strategies. They are urging FIFA to ensure that human rights violations related to labor rights, discrimination, housing, freedom of expression, policing, and privacy are addressed before making a final decision on hosting rights.
Amnesty International stressed the need for FIFA to hold countries accountable for upholding human rights standards as part of the bidding requirements for hosting the World Cup. Despite the inclusion of human rights criteria in the bidding process, Amnesty expressed concerns about the potential for violations, especially in the case of single bids for each tournament that may undermine FIFA’s ability to enforce human rights protections. The organization is advocating for preventative measures to mitigate and remedy human rights abuses in connection with hosting the World Cup.
Amnesty International has highlighted specific risk factors associated with hosting the World Cup in certain countries. They pointed out that accident rates at construction projects in Spain and Portugal exceed EU levels, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. Discrimination in stadiums in Spain was also noted, with a reference to the racism experienced by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. Additionally, Amnesty called for increased labor inspectors in Morocco and Portugal to meet International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, underlining the importance of addressing labor rights violations.
Amnesty International raised concerns about the risks associated with hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, describing them as being of a “different magnitude and severity” that will test FIFA’s commitment to human rights policies. The organization highlighted the challenges of conducting research in Saudi Arabia compared to Qatar, where reforms were made following investigations into migrant worker conditions ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The lack of access for research purposes in Saudi Arabia has raised alarm bells for Amnesty International, underscoring the difficulty in monitoring and addressing human rights violations without adequate transparency.
In addition to Amnesty International’s calls for human rights protections in World Cup hosting, a global group of trade unions filed a complaint with a UN-backed labor organization accusing Saudi Arabia of abusing migrant workers. The complaint cited severe human rights abuses and wage theft affecting thousands of workers over the past decade, highlighting exploitative living and working conditions akin to forced labor. The trade unions urged the International Labour Organization to investigate Saudi Arabia and address the systemic issues facing migrant workers in the country.
Amnesty International’s advocacy for human rights protections in FIFA World Cup hosting reflects a broader effort to ensure that major sporting events do not come at the expense of basic rights and dignity for workers and residents in host countries. By calling for binding commitments, legal reforms, and preventative measures to address human rights violations, Amnesty is challenging FIFA and bidding countries to prioritize ethical considerations in their preparations for the upcoming World Cups. The scrutiny on risk factors, challenges in specific host countries, and allegations of abuse underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the world of international sports.
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