UN Official: Qatar on Right Track towards Organization of 2022 World Cup
Doha, April 25 – Head of the United Nations Working Group of the Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights Dante Pesce confirmed that Qatar continues its efforts to promote labor rights in accordance with the international standards, saying this will move the country forward in the right way towards the organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with (Al Raya) Qatari newspaper issued Monday, Pesce said that raising all issues with the utmost freedom and transparency in the Asia Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights which was hosted by Doha over two days, reflects the transparency and openness of the Qatari authorities on all issues related to the organization of the World Cup.
He added that under the campaigns directed against Qatar since winning the World Cup bid, Doha did not hesitate to apply to host such a regional event, despite the pre-knowledge of what might be raised of thorny issues, which is a sign and an indication of the openness and the sincere desire for development and commitment towards human rights.
The Head of the United Nations Working Group said that he sensed during his meetings with Qatari officials that Doha is taking important decisions in strengthening and improving workers’ conditions in accordance with the international standards, considering the participation of a number of officials of the Qatari government in sporting events’ sessions during the forum is one of the positive indicators on the openness of the Qatari authorities and its seeking to develop and improve the situations.
Pesce indicated that the participation of the International Federation of Football “FIFA” in the Asian Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights was very distinct, which confirms FIFA’s commitment and keenness in human rights issues, as well as the participation of the Higher Committee for Projects and Inheritance which is responsible for organizing the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He called for the need to find practical implementations for human rights issue, not only for the State of Qatar but for the entire world with regard to the organization of the World Cup, expecting that FIFA will take these things into account with the upcoming World Cups, starting from the 2026 World Cup.
