The 2022 World Cup in Qatar utilized Stadium 974, a temporary structure that was later disassembled.
Amnesty International has expressed concerns that the lack of action from Qatar and FIFA regarding workers’ rights is negatively impacting the World Cup’s legacy. Almost a year after the event, the human rights organization asserts that progress in this area has nearly halted.
The group points out that justice and reparations for the numerous workers who faced mistreatment linked to the tournament have yet to be addressed satisfactorily.
In their report, ‘A Legacy in Jeopardy’, Amnesty International highlights that while reforms have been implemented, they are not being enforced effectively, and worker abuses continue.
The Qatari government, however, maintains that the World Cup has spurred significant labor reforms, leaving a lasting legacy. FIFA acknowledges the progress made but agrees that more concerted efforts are required to extend the benefits of these reforms to all workers in Qatar.
The human toll of constructing facilities for the 2022 World Cup under Qatar’s intense summer conditions has been a longstanding issue. In 2021, reports surfaced that around 6,500 migrant workers from various South Asian countries had died in Qatar since it was chosen to host the World Cup in 2010.
The Qatari government clarified that these deaths were not exclusively related to World Cup projects, attributing many to natural causes or age. Initially, Qatari authorities reported only three work-related deaths on stadium sites since 2014, but later acknowledged that the number of deaths on World Cup projects was between 400 and 500.
Qatar had implemented labor reforms from 2017, introducing worker protections, a minimum wage, and abolishing the ‘kafala’ system. However, the effectiveness of these reforms has been questioned.
Despite calls from activists and European football associations, FIFA, having generated a record £6bn from the World Cup, did not establish a compensation fund for the workers’ families. Instead, it created a ‘legacy fund’ focused on education.
Amidst demands for a Migrant Worker Centre in Doha, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the establishment of a permanent office for the International Labour Organization in the city.
Amnesty International acknowledges some positive changes, like the improved freedom for workers to leave the country and better enforcement of heat-related work laws. However, the organization stresses that Qatar has not fully enforced its labor reforms, jeopardizing any potential legacy for the workers.
Steve Cockburn, Head of Economic Social Justice at Amnesty, criticizes the inaction in addressing issues like illegal recruitment fees and unpaid wages, noting the losses suffered by the workers in terms of finances, health, and lives.
Amnesty International reports that the details of the promised legacy fund are unclear and points out that workers still face hurdles in changing jobs and accessing justice.
FIFA, in a statement to Sport Newes Center, acknowledges ongoing assessments for further enhancing the tournament’s legacy for migrant workers. It emphasizes that significant progress has been made in labor rights, but admits that more time and effort are needed for the reforms to benefit all workers.
The Qatari government asserts its commitment to labor reform, stating that it leads the region in workers’ rights and labor reforms. Qatar highlights its achievements like the implementation of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, improved salary protection, removal of job change barriers, enhanced complaint mechanisms, better access to justice, stringent enforcement against illegal recruitment fees, improved health and safety standards, and regular health screenings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Workers’ Rights World Cup 2022
What does Amnesty International say about workers’ rights post-2022 World Cup?
Amnesty International has criticized Qatar and FIFA for their inaction on workers’ rights, stating that the legacy of the 2022 World Cup is tainted due to the lack of progress in addressing labor abuses. The organization reports that despite some reforms, enforcement is weak and many workers still face exploitation and injustice.
How has the Qatari government responded to the allegations of workers’ rights abuses?
The Qatari government insists that the World Cup has catalyzed significant labor reforms, leading to a lasting positive legacy. They highlight achievements such as the introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, improved working conditions, and the dismantling of the controversial ‘kafala’ system.
What are the main concerns raised about the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar?
The main concerns include the high number of deaths among migrant workers, poor working conditions, and the slow implementation of labor reforms. Reports of unpaid wages, illegal recruitment fees, and difficulties in changing jobs or accessing justice are also prevalent issues.
Did FIFA set up a compensation fund for families of deceased workers?
No, FIFA did not set up a compensation fund for the families of deceased workers. Instead, they established a ‘legacy fund’ aimed at education, despite pressure from campaigners and European football associations for direct compensation.
What reforms has Qatar implemented since hosting the World Cup?
Since hosting the World Cup, Qatar has implemented several labor reforms including the introduction of a minimum wage, enhanced worker protections, and the abolition of the ‘kafala’ sponsorship system. These reforms were aimed at improving the rights and working conditions of migrant workers.
More about Workers’ Rights World Cup 2022
- Amnesty International Report on Workers’ Rights
- Qatar World Cup 2022 Labor Reforms
- FIFA’s Response to Workers’ Rights Allegations
- Migrant Worker Deaths in Qatar
- Qatar’s Labor System Overhaul Post-World Cup
- FIFA Legacy Fund for Education
7 comments
the qatari govt’s response seems like PR spin to me… they need to show real progress, not just talk about it!
Wow, didn’t realize the situation was this bad. Thanks for sharing, puts things into perspective.
So basically, Qatar made some changes but not enough? Seems like they’re just doing the bare minimum…
Reading about the migrant workers’ plight is heartbreaking, why isn’t this getting more media attention?
fifa and Qatar need to step up their game, this isn’t just about football, it’s about human rights!
It’s sad to see how these workers are still struggling, even after the World Cup spotlight has faded away.
Amnesty’s report is eye-opening… but will it lead to any real change? I’m skeptical.