Human rights principles in security training
Initiative description: Providing relevant FIFA World Cup 2022™ security personnel with specific human rights training with a focus on areas including non-discrimination, the rights of media representatives and human rights advocates, and the use of force. This will include training for security personnel to act in accordance with the following international standards: the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (BPUFF) and the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (CCLEO). For private security providers, standards will also include the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers. In addition, the initiative will also include the distribution of written guidance on how to respond to various scenarios that security personnel might encounter during the tournament, and testing of training and guidance through other events held prior to the tournament.
The training program
A sound understanding of human rights standards among security staff is essential to ensure that the rights of tournament attendees and staff are safeguarded, in addition to ensuring their safety and security. Hence, human rights and their implications in relation to policing and stewarding are included in all security training course materials, including all practical session briefing notes and course handouts. Security force trainees are challenged to consider whether their actions are compliant with international human rights principles and are trained on how to integrate human rights considerations in their decision-making.
Training for the police force on these issues is overseen by the Training and Development Unit of the Security and Safety Operations Committee (SSOC), made up of national and international experts who have experience in applying human rights in operational deployments. With the support from FIFA and Q22 human rights experts, the Unit has produced a Human Rights Policy Guidance handbook which helps to ensure that human rights standards are embedded in all training delivered as part of FIFA World Cup 2022™ preparations.
The security training programme for Qatari Police Commanders and Police Officers responsible for securing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ sites:
Started in 2017;
Is in line with the internationally recognised Gold, Silver, Bronze (GSB) Leadership Command model and reviewed by international human rights specialists;
Closely follows the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and integrates decisions that are based on nine of the 30 articles which form the foundation of the training, specifically related to non-discrimination, fair treatment for all and freedom of expression;
Applies the human rights PLAN model, standing for Proportionality, Legality, Accountability and Necessity principles, a long-established and proven system, which concentrates on application in the field;
Is complemented by practical on-the-job training, including exposure to FIFA football tournaments globally; and
For all Commanders, the training is also complemented by designated coaching and mentoring, to support them implement the training in real life operations.
Training outputs
As of March 2022, more than 400 Bronze Commanders and 37 Silver Commanders have been trained, which is the vast majority of the Commanders to be trained in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
In addition, approximately 7,000 Police Officers have received training through a series of ‘Train the Trainers’ courses designed to develop their skills, and then pass on those skills to other officers in their team. The programme provides learning on how to operate responsibly with respect for human rights and encourages security forces to be thoughtful and respectful in their response to various scenarios they might encounter during the tournament.
In regard to private security personnel, over 3,500 private security guards received anti-discrimination and human rights training in advance of the recent FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ in Qatar.
FIFA and Q22 also developed and implemented awareness training on FIFA diversity and anti-discrimination policies and procedures for FIFA match officials, staff, volunteers, and contracted staff helping to deliver the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™. Almost 4,900 persons received general diversity and anti-discrimination awareness training ahead of the tournament. From those, approximately 2,500 volunteers were trained in anti-discrimination-related topics specifically related to their functions.
Legacy plans
Major sporting events held in Qatar, such as the World Athletics Championships 2019, the Arabian Gulf Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup 2019™ and FIFA Club World Cup 2020™ have been used for testing purposes. The FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ was another opportunity to provide commanders and police officers with experience in the field. SSOC’s training arm continually reviews the training and guidelines to identify areas for improvement.
Both the GSB command process and the human rights PLAN model will be maintained as part of domestic policing beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ as part of the legacy of the final tournament.