Gareth Southgate believes migrant workers in Qatar are “united” in their desire for the World Cup to go ahead, with the England manager saying that the FA will continue to speak with campaign groups to learn about how they can offer support.
England kick off their tournament in 20 days, with a game against Iran, but as anticipation around the tournament ramps up so does attention on the host country’s human rights record. Since being awarded hosting rights in a controversial vote in 2010, Qatar has been strongly criticised for the conditions thousands of migrant workers have been subjected to and its anti-LGBTQ laws.
Previous investigations, which are denied by Qatar, said that more than 6,000 workers have died during the building of infrastructure of the tournament. Southgate said he would continue to speak out about human rights issues before and during the tournament, but in an interview with CNN he said there was no doubt it should go ahead.
“I’ve been out to Qatar several times and I’ve met with lots of the workers out there and they are united in certainly one thing, that’s that they want the tournament to happen, and they want that because they love football,” he said. “They want the football to come to Qatar.”
Southgate said the Football Association would continue to engage with human rights groups to discuss what action can be taken.
The FA remain in regular dialogue with several groups and captain Harry Kane will wear a “OneLove” armband as a gesture of solidarity towards those adversely impacted.
“As an FA we’ve talked to human rights groups about what they would like to see, and we’re trying to support those ideas with compensation for families who have lost workers and a worker’s rights centre,” Southgate added. “So, we’re supporting the things we’ve been asked to support.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations-affiliated International Labour Organisation has said in a report that Qatar has shown “determination” when it comes to reforming its labour laws.
The ILO claim that 350,000 applications from workers to change jobs has been approved since new legislation was brought in two years ago, while 280,000 workers saw their salaries rise to the new minimum threshold of 1,000 riyals (£237) - a figure that has been criticised by campaign groups.
“There is a universal recognition that the work is not complete,” the ILO report said. “This is not surprising given their magnitude. It takes time to build institutions and change deep-rooted practices.
“Among the remaining priorities, there is a need to ensure that all workers and employers can benefit from the laws around labour mobility.
“The mechanisms for workers to lodge complaints and recover their due wages must be strengthened to ensure fair and timely access to justice. And domestic workers rights must be better protected, including their rights on working and rest time.
“Qatar has shown its determination to push forward with its labour reform agenda. And the ILO and other partners will continue supporting the reforms to ensure their continued progress and success.”
Last month Amnesty International, who recognise that some improvements have been made, said that thousands of workers are still being denied wages or having them delayed, being denied rest days, being exposed to unsafe working conditions, facing barriers to changing jobs and in accessing justice.
A statement issued last month on behalf of the Supreme Committee, which is responsible for organising the tournament, read: “The advancements in workers’ welfare is a legacy we are very proud of, and one that we are already seeing in action.
“We have always believed that the World Cup will be a catalyst to accelerate positive initiatives, leaving a legacy of meaningful and sustainable progress for the country and region.”
