Human rights organizations are warning that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the men's World Cup in 2034 could result in 'severe and widespread rights violations,' as Fifa is expected to approve the Gulf state's bid this week. Despite being the sole bidder for the tournament, Saudi Arabia has faced significant criticism over its treatment of mainly Asian and African migrant workers, who are essential for constructing new football stadiums and infrastructure needed for the event. Over 10 million migrants reside in Saudi Arabia, working in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and domestic services. These workers have reportedly endured abusive conditions, including hazardous working environments, illegal recruitment fees, and unpaid wages, according to humanitarian groups.
Saudi officials have been accused of neglecting to investigate the causes of migrant worker deaths, with rights advocates suggesting that poor living and working conditions may contribute to these fatalities. A Guardian investigation revealed a high number of unexplained deaths among Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia between 2008 and 2022, with over 1,500 deaths in 2022 alone. Recent data from Bangladesh indicates that 887 Bangladeshis died in Saudi Arabia from January to July 2024, with 80% of these deaths attributed to 'natural causes.'
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's head of labour rights and sport, emphasized that many workers operate in unsafe conditions without adequate protection. He noted that denying the existence of a problem prevents finding a solution. Saudi Arabia asserts that it upholds robust regulations and standards to protect workers' rights and conducts thorough investigations into workplace incidents, dismissing claims of negligence or lack of transparency.
Fifa faced criticism for the treatment of migrant workers prior to the 2022 tournament in Qatar. However, it is set to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host this week without demanding any binding commitments to prevent labor abuse. A report by the law firm AS&H Clifford Chance, commissioned by Saudi Arabia and submitted to Fifa, did not address the alleged abuse of migrant workers, leading to accusations of 'whitewashing' the kingdom's record.
Dr. Maryam Aldossari, a Saudi activist and lecturer, criticized the regime's use of the World Cup as a tool to gloss over its human rights violations. She argued that while stadiums are built and the spotlight shines, women remain imprisoned for trivial acts and migrant workers suffer systemic exploitation. Fawzia al-Otaibi, whose sister was imprisoned for supporting women's rights, called the potential awarding of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia a 'grave failure.'
Fifa and the Saudi embassy were approached for comment. Fifa's bid report stated that Saudi Arabia committed to respecting, protecting, and fulfilling internationally recognized human rights. Cockburn urged Fifa to ensure better protections for workers and activists, noting that the World Cup could be a catalyst for change. A Fifa spokesperson confirmed that all relevant information, including bid evaluation reports, is available on their website.
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