“Serious concern” around the 2034 World Cup: several organizations are outraged by the situation in Saudi Arabia

2024-10-28 17:20:00

Pending the final designation linked to the 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia is still in the spotlight. Several organizations are determined to shed light on the (non) respect of human rights among Saudis. These opponents have until December 11 and the official attribution of the World Cup to make their voices heard. This Monday, eleven signatories expressed their “deep concern”.

These rights groups, supporters and other unions point to a biased evaluation of AS&H Clifford Chance. Based in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, this law firm carried out a study on the human rights context in the country. “It has been clear for over a year now that FIFA is determined to remove all potential obstacles to successfully handing Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the 2034 World Cup.”said James Lynch co-director of Fairsquareone of the signatories. “By producing such a mediocre report, AS&H Clifford Chance, part of one of the largest law firms in the world which values ​​its expertise in human rights, is helping to remove a final stumbling block. major.“

Among the other organizations to have signed this press release, Amnesty International described the evaluation as “attempted cover-up”. They wrote to FIFA asking to confirm the basis on which it had agreed with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to limit the scope of the rights-based assessment carried out by AS&H Clifford Chance.

“We see that the analysis was carried out in a very unsatisfactory manner to the extent that a series of rights were not analyzed, were not taken into account in the analysis, and the result is not at all acceptable because that we are ignoring many points which are delicate precisely for Saudi Arabia“, explain Francis Gras at our microphone, Campaigns and Advocacy Coordinator at Amnesty Belgium.

For his part, ALQST for Human Rights also supported the opinion of his fellow students. “AS&H Clifford Chance had the opportunity to produce a credible assessment of the risks associated with the 2034 World Cup. It preferred to produce an artificially limited, misleading and overly positive outlook, which only serves to conceal the reality of the abuse and discrimination faced citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia face.“

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**Interview with Human Rights Advocate⁣ Sarah Jenkins⁢ on Saudi Arabia’s Human​ Rights Record Ahead of the‌ 2034 World Cup**

**Editor:** Thank you for joining⁣ us today, Sarah. With the ongoing discussions about⁢ the 2034 World Cup being held in Saudi ‌Arabia, can you share ⁢your thoughts on ⁣the current human ⁣rights situation in the country?

**Sarah Jenkins:** Thank you for having me. The spotlight​ is indeed on Saudi Arabia‍ as the 2034 World Cup ⁢approaches. Recent reports and ​statements from various human rights organizations highlight‌ serious concerns regarding ‍the Saudi government’s track record. Many of us fear that the tournament could ⁣exacerbate ongoing human rights abuses⁢ rather than promote positive change.

**Editor:**⁤ We’ve seen eleven organizations⁣ express “deep concern” ​regarding the evaluation conducted by AS&H Clifford Chance. What are the main​ issues ⁣these groups are raising?

**Sarah Jenkins:**‌ The primary​ concern is the credibility​ of the human rights assessment conducted by⁤ the law firm ⁢AS&H ⁣Clifford Chance. Many​ critics argue that the study lacks independence and fails to accurately reflect the dire ​human rights‍ context in Saudi Arabia. The⁤ organizations believe that FIFA is turning a​ blind eye⁤ to these issues in its quest for ⁢financial success and a profitable event.

**Editor:**‍ That’s a significant point. With the deadline for these ‍organizations to make their voices heard⁣ approaching, what ‌actions do you⁢ think ‍they will take in the⁢ lead-up to the official ‍attribution of⁢ the⁣ World‍ Cup?

**Sarah Jenkins:** We ⁤can expect⁢ heightened advocacy efforts, including campaigns aimed at⁣ raising public awareness, lobbying FIFA to prioritize human rights, ⁤and urging​ the international community to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. Many of‍ these ​groups aim to mobilize support from fans ‌and stakeholders who care about these⁣ issues.

**Editor:** Do you believe ⁤there is still ‌a chance for FIFA to address these concerns before the final⁤ designation in December?

**Sarah⁤ Jenkins:** There’s always a possibility, but it hinges on sustained pressure from‌ civil society and the media. If FIFA is truly committed to promoting a more​ ethical sports environment, they must take these concerns⁣ seriously. They need to collaborate with human rights organizations to ensure ‌that the event does not come at the cost of‌ fundamental rights and freedoms.

**Editor:** Thank ⁤you, Sarah, for shedding light ⁢on⁢ this pressing issue. It’s ⁤a complex ​situation, and we appreciate your insights ⁤as we continue to follow developments leading⁢ to the‍ World Cup.

**Sarah Jenkins:** Thank you for ‌the opportunity. It’s‌ essential⁢ that we continue to advocate for human rights, particularly in ​contexts like this where sports and ethics intersect.

They should take?

**Sarah Jenkins:** The urgency is palpable. These organizations need to amplify their messaging through public campaigns that raise awareness among fans, players, and sponsors. They should also engage in direct dialogue with FIFA and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to advocate for a more thorough and transparent human rights assessment. Moreover, building coalitions with other civil society groups and leveraging international media attention can exert pressure on authorities to address these pressing issues before the tournament proceeds.

**Editor:** In your opinion, what tangible impacts could the World Cup have on the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, for better or worse?

**Sarah Jenkins:** The potential impact is twofold. On one hand, if human rights organizations succeed in holding FIFA and the Saudi government accountable, it could lead to reforms and a more open dialogue about human rights in the nation. However, if the tournament goes ahead without addressing these criticisms, it could legitimize the Saudi regime’s human rights violations, further entrenching the status quo and making it harder for advocates to push for change down the line.

**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for your insightful perspectives on such a critical issue. The situation certainly warrants close attention as we approach the World Cup.

**Sarah Jenkins:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we all stay informed and engaged on these issues as the world turns its eyes towards Saudi Arabia.