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Key Points

Human Rights Watch and FairSquare have criticized FIFA's decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, highlighting concerns over labor abuses. The groups emphasize the grave human costs associated with inadequate safety measures for migrant workers involved in the tournament preparations. Historical examples like Qatar's 2022 World Cup provide a backdrop of fears for similar outcomes. The warning urges FIFA and businesses to scrutinize their involvement with Saudi Arabia's projects to ensure the protection of human rights.

Key Points: Saudi World Cup 2034 Prep Criticized for Migrant Worker Abuses

  • HRW reports migrant worker abuses in Saudi Arabia
  • FIFA criticized for poor human rights diligence
  • Safety protections for migrant workers are insufficient
  • Gruesome worker deaths highlight ongoing labor issues
2 min read

2034 Saudi WC preparations come at 'grave human cost', human rights groups warn FIFA

HRW and FairSquare warn FIFA of grave human costs in Saudi 2034 World Cup preparations.

"FIFA is knowingly risking yet another tournament that will unnecessarily come at a grave human cost. - Human Rights Watch"

New Delhi, May 14

Human Rights groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and FairSquare, have warned FIFA and the Saudi Arabian authorities of 'failing to adequately ensure basic safety protections and social security for migrant workers in the preparations of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi laws require employers with 50 or more workers to implement a health and safety policy, conduct training, assess workplace risks, and provide necessary protective gear and first aid.

But the report by HRW found that workers across employment sectors and geographic regions in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread labour abuses and occupational dangers at their work sites and claimed FIFA has awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without proper human rights due diligence.

"FIFA is knowingly risking yet another tournament that will unnecessarily come at a grave human cost," Human Rights Watch said in the statement.

Both groups have called on the Saudi Authorities to ensure basic safety protections for the country's migrant workforce, given the harsh weather conditions in the country.

According to a report from 2022 by British outlet The Guardian, more than 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka died in Qatar since it won the right to host the 2022 World Cup.

"The gruesome workplace accidents killing migrant workers in Saudi Arabia should be a huge red flag for businesses, football fans, and sports associations seeking to partner with FIFA on the 2034 Men's World Cup and other Saudi 'giga-projects'.

"Given that Saudi authorities are failing to adequately ensure basic safety protections and social security for migrant workers, local and international companies face a larger responsibility to ensure that serious rights violations are not occurring throughout their business operations in Saudi Arabia," said Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

According to the report by HRW, scores of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have died in gruesome yet avoidable workplace-related accidents, including falling from buildings, electrocution, and even decapitation.

The independent investigation by Fairsquare highlighted a serious lack of effective Saudi government policies and processes to determine the cause of migrant worker deaths.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking. Over 6,500 South Asian workers died in Qatar - and now history may repeat in Saudi. FIFA must take responsibility. Our governments should also pressure Saudi to improve conditions for migrant workers who are mostly from our region. 🤬
P
Priya M.
As someone whose cousin worked in Gulf construction, this hits close to home. These deaths aren't just statistics - they're someone's father, brother or son. Saudi has money for flashy projects but can't ensure basic worker safety? Shameful.
A
Amit S.
While I support development in Middle East, human lives matter more than football stadiums. Our MEA should negotiate better worker protections before allowing more Indians to go for these projects. "Kafala system" needs to end.
N
Neha T.
FIFA only cares about money. First Qatar, now Saudi - both with terrible human rights records. Maybe Indian football fans should boycott this World Cup unless conditions improve. Our workers deserve dignity. 💔
V
Vikram J.
The report mentions deaths from falls, electrocution - basic safety measures could prevent these. Saudi must enforce their own laws properly. At the same time, our own labor ministry should do more to protect Indian workers abroad. Jai Hind!

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