Qatar pledge to protect stadium workers ahead of World Cup

Qatar’s Supreme Committee insist they are taking ‘concrete steps to protect workers’, after further criticism from human-rights organisation Amnesty International.

The nation’s Supreme Committee is responsible for delivering stadium and tournament infrastructure, and has been accused of allowing migrant workers to construct stadiums in ‘dangerous’ conditions.

A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy told Sky Sports News HQ: “The Supreme Committee firmly believes that all workers engaged on its projects, and those working on other infrastructure projects in Qatar, have the right to be treated in a manner that ensures their wellbeing, safety, security and dignity at all times. We have already taken concrete steps to protect workers.”

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the conditions of workers, many who were born in countries outside Qatar.

“The clock is ticking.” said Mustafa Qadri, of Amnesty International, in a statement to Sky Sports News HQ. “Whether or not the 2022 World Cup is played in the summer or winter isn’t going to change the fact that thousands of migrant workers are building infrastructure that will be used in the competition in often intolerable conditions.”

“Workers from countries like India and Nepal are still toiling away in dangerous and blisteringly hot summer conditions for long hours, and many of these have had their passports confiscated and their pay reduced or entirely withheld.”

Qatar’s Supreme Committee maintain talks will continue to improve the welfare of its workers.

“We have released our Workers Charter and our Workers’ Welfares standards are incorporated in to all of our contracts to ensure that delivery of their projects will comply with our standards as well as relevant Qatari laws,” the spokesperson added.

“We are continuing to collaborate with our stakeholders and the relevant government entities, as well as respected international organizations, to make progress on workers’ welfare in Qatar.”

Amnesty International has urged the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts to improve facilities, including accommodation for workers.  

“We still need to see major changes to prevent further human rights abuse associated with this World Cup.” said Mr. Qadri.

“Numerous migrant workers are still being crammed into squalid and overcrowded accommodation. With the international spotlight firmly trained on the country and its labour practices, we’ve repeatedly called on the Qatari authorities to make meaningful reforms, but apart from the welcome introduction of an electronic payment system very little has yet been done.”