Organisers of 2022 Qatar World Cup 'appalled' by 'migrant workers' slavery' report

The organisers of the 2022 Qatar Football World Cup have expressed their distress at the findings of an investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in the country, saying that they are 'appalled' by the report.

According to an investigation by a leading British newspaper, Nepalese workers in Qatar 'face exploitation and abuses that amount to modern-day slavery', with at least 44 workers dying between 4 June and 8 August because of heart-related issues or workplace accidents.

The BBC reports that the tournament organisers have issued a statement, saying that there is no excuse for any worker in Qatar to be treated in this manner, and insisting that the working conditions will be suitable for those involved in construction of World Cup facilities.

According to the statement, the health, safety, well-being and dignity of every worker that contributes to staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup is of the 'utmost importance' to their committee, adding that they are committed to ensuring that the event serves as a 'catalyst' toward creating sustainable improvements to workers' lives in Qatar.

The statement further said that they organisers believe that all workers engaged on their projects and others have a right a right to be 'treated in a manner that ensures at all times their well-being, safety, security, and dignity'.

Stating that contractors would have to abide by a 'workers' charter' when work on World Cup projects get underway, Qatar 2022 chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi said that they have shared these workers' standards and their own workers' strategy with Human Rights Watch (external) and Amnesty International (external).