New Delhi, May 14 || Human Rights groups, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and FairSquare, have warned FIFA and the Saudi Arabian authorities of ‘failing to adequately ensure basic safety protections and social security for migrant workers in the preparations of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi laws require employers with 50 or more workers to implement a health and safety policy, conduct training, assess workplace risks, and provide necessary protective gear and first aid.
But the report by HRW found that workers across employment sectors and geographic regions in Saudi Arabia continue to face widespread labour abuses and occupational dangers at their work sites and claimed FIFA has awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without proper human rights due diligence.
"FIFA is knowingly risking yet another tournament that will unnecessarily come at a grave human cost," Human Rights Watch said in the statement.
Both groups have called on the Saudi Authorities to ensure basic safety protections for the country's migrant workforce, given the harsh weather conditions in the country.