Fifa responds to Amnesty International : Qatar addressing labour laws
Nov 18, 2013 1:37:00 PM
Football's governing body has claimed that the Arabian state has already begun addressing allegations of "human rights abuses" on work sites
Fifa have claimed steps are in place to improve conditions for construction workers in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
A report from Amnesty International published on Sunday claimed instances of "human rights abuses" had been found on several sites within the Arabian state, claiming that some labourers were suffering from "severe psychological distress" from being "treated like cattle" and living in "squalid, overcrowded accommodation".
However, Fifa says that it shares the charity organisation's "respect of human rights and dignity" and insisted that initiatives are in place to help improve labour laws and increase transparency.
"The state of Qatar is aware of various issues and has already started to react," the organisation told Perform.
"Fifa has been informed by the Qatari authorities that the labour laws and labour system will be amended - a process which has already started.
"Special attention will be paid to the different inspections that are necessary, the government inspectors will receive more powers to enforce the labour legislation.
"The event organisers have released a workers' welfare charter, which is publicly available, and are currently developing their workers’ welfare standards.
"It is Fifa's aim that the host countries of our flagship event ensure healthy, safe and dignified working conditions for all - nationals and foreigners, including construction workers - involved in the preparation of the event."
