Contributing to the protection of rights
Initiative description: Taking reasonable steps to contribute to the protection of human rights defenders and media representatives who are working or reporting on situations linked to FIFA World Cup 2022™-related activities from undue restrictions or interference by third parties, including the host state, commercial affiliates, service providers and suppliers, publishers, broadcasters, confederations and FIFA member associations.
It is our priority to take effective steps to contribute to the protection of human rights defenders and media representatives who are working or reporting on situations linked to FIFA World Cup 2022™-related activities. This may include protection from undue restrictions or interference by third parties, including the host state, commercial affiliates, service providers and suppliers, publishers, broadcasters, confederations, and FIFA member associations.
Accordingly, discussions are also taking place with regards to existing legislation that may be utilised to limit the freedom of human rights defenders to receive and impart information. These discussions also aim to ensure such laws are implemented in a way that will not contradict Qatar’s international human rights commitments. FIFA closely monitored the case of Malcolm Bidali, a Kenyan national who was detained in Qatar, and held consultations with the SC who were in direct and regular contact with the relevant Government authorities handling the case within the State of Qatar. Whilst Mr. Bidali was not employed on Qatar’s FIFA World Cup sites, FIFA remained engaged in the case via the SC and NGOs until the case was resolved. Tournament organisers remain committed to ensuring that human rights defenders do not face repercussions for their work.
In addition, the tournament organisers continue to engage closely with human rights defenders aiming to advance human rights in relation to the tournament. Such engagement involves discussion on particular cases researched by activists, consultations on specific issues and initiatives under this strategy, as well as on wider debates in relation to human rights and the FIFA World Cup 2022™ at an international level.
Lastly, FIFA continues to operate its grievance mechanism for human rights defenders and media representatives, as well as the newly created FIFA World Cup Grievance mechanism. No case of human rights defenders or journalists whose work in relation to the FIFA World Cup 2022™ may have been restricted, has been reported to FIFA through these mechanisms since the beginning of 2020.