Although still seven years hence, work is well under way for the World Cup in 2022, which will be held in Qatar, the Middle East. Billion dollar building programmes have commenced in order to ensure enjoyment for those attending and participating in the competitions, as well as the success of the venture for the host country, Qatar.
Qatar’s ‘’Guest Worker’’ programme was portrayed as a beacon of possibility, offering work and success. However, in reality, we now find that thousands are in fact trapped in horrific working conditions, forced to work under the desert’s scorching sun with little or no respite; denied adequate food and drinking water; housed in squalid living conditions and prevented from returning to their home countries as their passports have been confiscated.
Sources:
The Guardian: Death toll among Qatar’s 2022 World Cup workers revealed
Human Rights Watch: Building a Better World Cup
Bloomberg: At a Qatar Project Overseen by Americans, Workers Die Almost Daily
The Guardian: Qatar accused of dragging its feet over treatment of migrant workers
Reuters: Qatar risks losing World Cup without job reform
 
Avaaz.org is a global campaigning network which works to ensure the views and values of the world’s people, shape global decision making and is currently inviting people to sign their petition to the Emir of Qatar, the Secretary General of Qatar 2022 & the CEO of CH2M Hill (the public face of World Cup construction, managing a major part of Qatar 2022), to instate basic human rights and safety measures for its building programme and support workers.
By simply adding our names to the petition we can make a difference and help free these workers from a form of modern day slavery. In doing so, we not only honour RENATE’s commitment to campaign against slavery and exploitation at world sports events, we bear witness to Pope Francis’ message that ‘’…Every person, and all people, are equal and must be accorded the same freedom and the same dignity.’’ (Declaration on International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2^nd December 2014).
 
Anne Kelleher
RENATE Communications Person