FA slammed for ‘severe delay’ in acknowledging human rights
FA slammed for ‘severe delay’ in acknowledging human rights: Campaigners are criticizing the Football Association for a lack of clarity in regards to human rights issues in Qatar, just before the 2022 World Cup. Noting a lack of response on Wednesday, the FA announced an anti-discrimination campaign with a OneLove armband that would be featured during opening ceremonies.
The English Football Association has demanded compensation for the “pain and suffering” caused by injuries and deaths resulting from a World Cup construction project. Human Rights Watch is perplexed about the move though, questioning when it happened.
With just weeks to go before the first football is kicked, Fifa and Qatar authorities should show more concern for corruption surrounding the World Cup. With pressure increasing in recent weeks, it is imperative that all football associations put effort into criticism of Fifa and Qatari authorities, introduce back wages on behalf of employees who were stolen from, offered compensation for injuries sustained during work, and solve death-related issues.
The argument suggests that they need more time to decide what their role is, but many are already asking them to take action on migrant workers’ behalf.
It has been in dialogue with human rights organisations, trade unions and non-governmental organizations for more than a year, in order to get a balanced understanding of the issues for the country and region.
It has been estimated that up to 30,000 migrant laborers were used on projects like the construction of seven stadiums for the 2022 World Cup and a new airport, new metro and new roads.
As people have been building clean up efforts, they have faced abuse and slavery while working in the construction of World Cup stadiums and infrastructure.
The FA is advocating for the construction of a migrant workers’ center and is inviting migrant workers to the England World Cup training base.
BobbyBegnum, Amnesty International’s Business and Human Rights Director, said that the armbands are an important symbol in regards to football associations. The whole of football should also be calling on Qatar to ensure that no-one faces discrimination based on their gender, sexual orientation, or nationality during or after the World Cup.