DOHA: Qatar’s World Cup organisers on Thursday hit back at criticism of the Gulf state’s rights record by the Australian football team, insisting that “no country is perfect”.

In response to the Australian call for better treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ community, a World Cup spokesperson said imposing “robust” labour laws had also been a “challenge” for Australia.

“We have committed every effort to ensuring that this World Cup has had a transformative impact on improving lives,” the organisers’ Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said. “Protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker contributing to this World Cup is our priority.”

Sixteen members of Australia’s football men’s team appeared in a short video on Thursday explaining their position.

They acknowledged Qatar’s attempts to improve conditions for migrant workers but said the changes had been “inconsistent”.

“We have learned that the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and harm of countless of our fellow workers,” said midfielder Jackson Irvine, in a video in which 16 players gave comments.

The Qatari committee highlighted reforms on construction site safety and labour conditions that have been carried out in the past five years.

These have been praised by international unions and FIFA, though all have called for more progress.

“New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labour laws is a global challenge, including in Australia,” added the spokesperson.

“No country is perfect, and every country — hosts of major events or not — has its challenges.”

The Football Australia governing body urged the energy-rich Gulf state to take a softer stance on same-sex relationships. Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Qatar.

The Qatari committee did not mention LGBTQ rights, but the spokesperson said: “This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of progress, better practice, and improving lives — and it’s a legacy that will live long after the final ball is kicked.”

Captains from a number of leading European football nations — including England, France and Germany — will wear armbands with rainbow colours and the message “One Love” in an anti-discrimination campaign during the World Cup.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...