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Rabat – FIFA released a technical review on November 30 and scored the trio an impressive 4.2 out of 5 after the football governing body evaluated human rights among other risks.
Previously, Amnesty International raised red flags about human rights in Morocco. They pointed to police abuse, workers’s rights issues, and limited protection for minorities. They called for tougher measures to address these challenges.
However, FIFA’s assessment deemed the human rights risks in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as “low.” The organization scored the bid high on showing strong commitments to sustainability and human rights.
Morocco has caught global attention with bold promises. The country plans to raise minimum wages, strengthen labour laws, and improve working conditions for migrants and refugees. Contractors will also be subject to stricter rules.
FIFA says the plan isn’t just symbolic – it’s solid, with world-class infrastructure and bold ideas.
Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have put forward modern venues, including Santiago BernabĂ©u in Madrid, Camp Nou in Barcelona, and Morocco’s under-construction Hassan II mega-stadium in Casablanca, which is on track to become the biggest in the world.
Government support in all three countries further shores up the bid’s credibility. FIFA believes this trio has what it takes to host an unforgettable tournament. The 2030 World Cup would unite the African and European continents as the bid brings together different cultures in a celebration of football and diversity.
Human rights concerns about past FIFA hosts
The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 received similar human rights concerns, particularly on the treatment of migrant workers. Investigations revealed that many workers were exploited in the form of unpaid wages, long working hours, and risky environments.
Tragically, reports indicated that thousands of migrant workers from countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka died in Qatar since it was awarded the World Cup in 2010.
They introduced labour reforms, like a minimum wage and scrapping the kafala system, which used to give employers a lot of control over workers
In response to international criticism, Qatar introduced labour reforms, like a minimum wage and scrapping the “kafala” system which was used to give employers a lot of control over workers. But despite these measures, rights groups said the changes didn’t go far enough and argued that abuses persisted and that enforcement of new regulations was inconsistent.
However, it wasn’t just about workers. There were also concerns about women’s rights and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Qatar, given the country’s strict laws and societal norms. While the Qatari government promised all visitors would be welcome during the World Cup, activists worried about potential discrimination and restrictions.
In the end, it was deemed the most successful tournament in the history of the competition.
Read Also: Moroccan Prisons at Overcapacity by 159%, Struggle with Human Rights Violations
