FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar Still Has A Long Way To Go On Human Rights Issues

Qatar – has secured the right to host the 2022 World Cup. However, the country is receiving backlash due to its human rights violations. Many workers who have built the World Cup‘s infrastructure have suffered abuse in Qatar.

Questions have been raised concerning human rights issues in Qatar ahead of the tournament. Qatar still has a long way to go on human rights ahead of the World Cup.

Why Qatar still has a long way to go on Human Rights issues?

• Homosexuality is not legal in Qatar. There have been some reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBT people.
• More than 24,000 workers suffered human rights abuses in Qatar. 100 workers who built the Al Bayt Stadium were not paid for up to seven months.
• The country is conservative in many aspects. Showing affection openly is also not allowed in the country.

International unions raise questions on human rights issues in Qatar

Recently, the German Football Association (DFB) had invited experts from the two organizations to inform members of the national team about the current state of the human rights situation in Qatar. They wanted to discuss the current situation in Qatar.

The international union wanted to know the steps implemented by Qatar to secure the rights of migrant workers. The gathering of the two organisations took place to discuss measures and strategies for improving the condition of migrant workers.

Dietmar Schäfers, the vice president of the International Building and Woodworkers’ Union (BHI), said that strategies have not been implemented properly to protect the rights of migrant workers.

He further said that the Qatari government has not done a great job of punishing companies that abuse labourers. Earlier, he launched the “Red Card for FIFA — No World Cup Without Human Rights” campaign.

Katja Müller-Fahlbusch, who specialises in the Middle East at Amnesty International, said that Qatar is on its way toward becoming a more modern society. However, it still has a long way to go.

Fatma Al Nuaimi, director of communications for the Qatar organising committee, appealed for patience on the issue.

German players’ support for migrant workers

Germany’s players also displayed support for migrant workers. Recently, the players wore shirts displaying the message “HUMAN RIGHTS”. Norway players also did a similar thing. FIFA said that no action would be taken against the players.