Significantly, FIFA emphasizes that its human rights assessments “do not seek to peremptorily exclude countries based on their overall human rights context” but are “based on evidence of how effectively bidders intend to address human rights risks related to a tournament”.
Explaining the ‘medium’ risk assessment of the Saudi bid for human rights, the FIFA report states that: “The task involved in implementing the various measures outlined in the Human Rights Strategy, particularly in certain areas, could involve significant effort and time…
“However, the considerable work and level of concrete commitment demonstrated by the bid and its key stakeholders, together with the demonstrable pace of progress and 10-year time horizon, are mitigating factors to consider, although there are also important opportunities to candidacy. contribute to achieving broader positive impacts on human rights in Saudi Arabia under the umbrella of the country’s Vision 2030.”
The FIFA report refers to “the government’s commitment to respect, protect and fulfill internationally recognized human rights in relation to competition, including in the areas of safety, labor rights, children’s rights, gender equality and non-discrimination.” , as well as freedom of expression (including freedom of the press)”.
But the assessment also “highlights areas where further legal reforms are needed and refers to the need for effective enforcement, without which the risk of indecent working conditions could be high.”
Regarding diversity and anti-discrimination, the report “notes gaps and reservations in the implementation of relevant international standards, particularly when they are considered to contradict Islamic law… the bidder is committed to ensuring a safe and secure tournament environment.” inclusive, free of discrimination [and]…also undertakes to review and potentially amend relevant legislation as part of the government’s commitments under international standards.”
FIFA states that “there is great potential that the tournament could serve as a catalyst for some of the current and future reforms and contribute to positive human rights outcomes for people in Saudi Arabia and the region that go beyond the reach of the tournament itself.
However, earlier this month, campaign group Amnesty said, external The process to select Saudi Arabia as the 2034 host must be halted unless major human rights reforms are announced. He claimed that hosting the tournament there would likely lead to serious and widespread rights violations.
Last month, Amnesty was also among a group of human rights, labor and fan organizations that criticized, external a “flawed” independent report conducted on behalf of Saudi Arabia that they claim did not adequately assess the treatment of migrant workers.
FIFA and the Saudi bid declined to comment.
Reacting to the publication of the report, Amnesty said it was: “A shocking whitewash of the country’s appalling human rights record. There are no meaningful commitments to stop workers being exploited, residents being evicted or activists being arrested.”
“By ignoring clear evidence of serious human rights risks, FIFA is likely to bear heavy responsibility for the violations and abuses that will take place over the next decade.
“Fundamental human rights reforms are urgently needed in Saudi Arabia, or the 2034 World Cup will inevitably be marred by exploitation, discrimination and repression.”
Campaign group Fair Square said Fifa had “plumbed new depths”.
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
