FIFA World Cup 2022: Fans contemplate visiting Qatar over human rights violations

• Dhivyanshu
• . May 18, 2022
• . Update: May 19, 2022 12:59 pm
• 1,600 Views

Qatar–In the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, several social media users have expressed concerns over looming human rights violations in the Gulf nation. In view of the tense human rights situation in Qatar, World Cup fans and athletes are rethinking their decision to travel to the Arab nation for the tournament over fear of their safety.

Recently, a Qatari court issued life sentences against a few members of the Al Murrah tribe for participating in peaceful protests against the Shura Council law that took place in August 2021. Rights activists have called out the Qatari authorities for their harsh treatment and oppression of freedoms guaranteed to the community members.

In a report last year, Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, pointed out that Qataris are being denied their full citizenship rights as the authorities continue to repress the voice of the community members.

Rampant human rights violations

Other human rights violations by the Qatari authorities that have come to light include the restriction of civil liberties such as freedom of speech and press, violation of labour rights, and cultural and institutional discrimination, particularly against the LGBTQ community.

“Qatar’s half-hearted attempt at reforms serves to illustrate the larger disregarded rights violations that take place in the country unmonitored,” Adam Coogle added. Taking cognisance of the rampant human rights violations in the Arab nation, world governments and international organisations have expressed suspicion over Qatar bribing FIFA officials in order to win the World Cup bid.

In addition, FIFA has also been criticised by rights activists for their lack of action against the Qatari regime over the mistreatment of migrant workers engaged in the construction of the World Cup stadium and human rights violations in the country among other issues.

Several spectators and athletes have also shared their fears about visiting the Gulf nation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 due to restrictions on civil liberties and lack of freedoms of expression for the community members.