FIFA Holds Meeting to Discuss Human Rights in Qatar

DBasia.news – FIFA held a meeting to discuss human rights in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. FIFA wants to find as much information and truth as possible about the alleged human rights violations committed by the host.

FIFA held a virtual meeting on Tuesday (14/12) local time with political institutions and human rights organizations. Its main goal is to discuss human rights in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

The meeting was also attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the head of the tournament’s governing body, Hassan Al Thawadi. FIFA also invited a number of other bodies such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, political representatives from parliaments throughout Europe, GRECO, and UNESCO.

FIFA said the dialogue provided an opportunity for policymakers to raise questions and concerns around key topics, including worker welfare and LGBTQIA rights.

“History of the first day, we are committed to ensuring the legacy is passed on before the tournament. This legacy also persists beyond the tournament, particularly on labor reform and other topics,” Al Thawadi said as reported by Sky Sports.

The Qatari government admits that the labor system has changed. In addition, they also denied Amnesty International’s accusations that thousands of migrant workers were exploited.

Previously, a 48-page report produced by Amnesty, Reality Check 2021, said practices such as withholding wages and asking workers to change jobs were still rampant.

Human Rights Watch also said Qatari law continued to discriminate against women and LGBTQIA.

“Our main question in Qatar remains on LGBTQIA rights and in particular the law criminalizing homosexuality,” said Piara Powar, executive director of Fare, an organization created to fight discrimination in European football.

“We know many LGBTQIA are afraid to come. Respect for local culture must not hinder efforts to ensure the safety of the LGBTQIA community,” continued Powar.