Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a damning report detailing widespread abuse and dangerous conditions faced by migrant workers involved in stadium construction for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
According to the international rights organization, numerous migrant laborers—primarily from Africa and Asia—have died or suffered serious injuries in workplace accidents that were entirely preventable. The reported causes of death include falls from height, electrocution, and even decapitation.
HRW says it studied nearly 50 cases and found that Saudi authorities failed to implement sufficient safety measures, did not investigate incidents properly, and neglected to provide fair compensation to victims’ families.
The findings come amid ongoing criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of migrant workers and laws restricting same-sex relationships. Despite these concerns, FIFA awarded the 2034 tournament to the kingdom in late 2023.
Saudi authorities have not responded publicly to the HRW report. The lack of comment has fueled concerns among rights groups and the international community about transparency and accountability in the lead-up to the global sporting event.
Human Rights Watch has called on FIFA and international stakeholders to pressure Saudi Arabia to uphold labor rights and ensure that all workers involved in World Cup projects are protected and treated fairly.
Source DW Africa
