The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, Renew and ECR groups.
Violation of migrant workers' rights
Parliament deplored the thousands of migrant workers who have died or been injured in the run-up to the World Cup. It expressed concern about reports that hundreds of thousands of migrant workers still face discriminatory laws and practices in Qatar and called on Qatar to fully implement its new legislation to protect workers' rights.
Members welcomed the reforms adopted by the Qatari authorities in consultation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to address the governance of labour migration, enforce labour law and provide access to justice, as well as strengthen workers' voices and social dialogue. These changes have already improved the working and living conditions of hundreds of thousands of workers. However, many workers are still not benefiting from these reforms.
Acknowledging the important contribution of migrant workers to Qatars economy and the FIFA World Cup 2022, Parliament urged the Qatari authorities to conduct a full investigation into the deaths of the migrant workers, certify the death of migrant workers and provide reparations to families in cases where workers died as a result of their working conditions.
Parliament welcomed the fact that, according to the ILO, the Qatari Government has reimbursed USD 320 million to wage abuse victims through the Workers Support and Insurance Fund. It regretted, however, that the fund only became operational in 2018, which resulted in millions of workers and their families remaining excluded from its application. It called for the fund to be expanded in order to include all victims since the beginning of the works related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Members strongly condemned the participation of European companies in any migrant workers rights violations that they have caused, contributed to or benefited from, in particular in the construction and finance sectors, during the preparation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Lack of transparency
Members deplored the lack of transparency and the clear lack of a responsible risk assessment that characterised the awarding of the FIFA World Cup to Qatar in 2010. They recalled their long-held view that corruption within FIFA is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted, and continues to believe the organisation has seriously damaged the image and integrity of global football.
The resolution urged governments, sports federations and organisations to uphold the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law when awarding major sporting events and selecting sponsors. Clear criteria and a charter with strong values should be defined in this respect.
Parliament called on the EU Member States, particularly those with large national football leagues, such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, to exert pressure on UEFA and FIFA for the latter to engage in fundamental reform, including the introduction of democratic and transparent procedures in the awarding of football World Cups and the strict implementation of human rights and sustainability criteria for hosting countries.
Violations of fundamental rights and human rights, especially evident systematic gender-based violence, should be made into binding exclusion criterion for the awarding of international sporting events in order to protect athletes and fans and to put an end to sportswashing.
Gender equality, abuses against the LGBTQI+ community
Parliament urged the Qatari authorities to strengthen measures to ensure gender equality, including by abolishing the remnants of womens guardianship, while stepping up their efforts to achieve the equitable representation of women in the formal labour market, and in the public and political spheres.
While noting the global trend towards decriminalising consensual same-sex relations, Parliament called on Qatar to repeal Article 285 of its criminal code and all other related laws used to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual relations, and to introduce legislation against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. It deplored the reports of abuses to the LGBTQ+ community by the Preventive Security Department forces of Qatar and their use of the law which allows for provisional detention without charge or trial for up to six months. In this context, it expressed dismay by FIFAs decision regarding the OneLove armbands.
EU-Qatar dialogue
Lastly, Parliament welcomed the EUs continued commitment to human rights in relation to Qatar, notably through the EU-Qatar human rights dialogue, which should be intensified, and through the strengthening of the institutional framework for cooperation between the Union and Qatar. Member States and the EU Delegation in Qatar are invited to follow closely Qatar's social reforms, paying particular attention to the practical implementation of its legislation, including by European companies in the country. Parliament should be regularly informed about the progress of these reforms.