The chief govt of the Qatar World Cup has hit out at media for asking concerning the demise of a migrant employee on the event, stating: “Death is a natural part of life – whether it’s at work, whether it’s in your sleep.”
Nasser al-Khater claimed the whole lot that had been mentioned concerning the employee’s demise was “absolutely false” and criticised detrimental protection of the World Cup when questioned by reporters.
“I think a lot of the journalists have to ask themselves and reflect on why they’ve been trying to bang on about the subject for so long,” he mentioned.
Human Rights Watch slammed Mr al-Khater’s response about demise being a pure a part of life, saying it ignores the truth that many migrant deaths within the nation “were preventable”.
Last month, a Qatari official mentioned in a TV interview “between 400 and 500” migrant employees had died on World Cup-related initiatives.
The demise of a Filipino man in his 40s was first reported on Wednesday by The Athletic sports activities web site and later confirmed by the Philippines’ Foreign Ministry.
On Thursday, a Qatari authorities official informed AFP on the situation of anonymity: “The incident is being investigated by the Qatari authorities.
“If the investigation concludes that safety protocols were not followed, the company will be subject to legal action and severe financial penalties,” the official mentioned.
Migrant employees make up round 2.5 million of Qatar’s 2.9 million inhabitants – amounting to 86 per cent of the inhabitants.
Labour circumstances these employees are subjected to have been strongly criticised, significantly within the lead-up to the World Cup.
Under stress from worldwide unions, Qatar has undertaken labour reforms that embody introduction of a minimal wage of 1000 riyals ($A390), and restriction of hours through which employees can exit in excessive warmth.
The Athletic reported the Filipino man died after he fell off a ramp whereas repairing lights at a resort used as a coaching base by Saudi Arabia’s nationwide soccer staff.
The report mentioned he had not been sporting a harness however it didn’t specify the date of the incident.
Former Socceroo and human rights activist Craig Foster took to Instagram on Friday to specific his ideas on the “very clear” show of “sportswashing” in the course of the World Cup, which was a “diversion from daily struggles and broader political concerns”.
Foster is a soccer analyst a part of SBS’s World Cup protection, however says he’s “donating the fee to bereaved migrant worker families, LGBTI & women’s rights organisations in Qatar”.
“In this World Cup, we see very clearly why sportswashing is so effective,” he wrote on Friday.
“The world becomes spellbound. Entranced. High on emotion, controversy, heroism and hope.
“And the migrant workers who paid with their lives and the LGBTI community who the game is supposed to protect are easily and conveniently forgotten.
“While we watch and are ourselves seduced, let’s ensure to keep in mind those that paid the ultimate price for our enjoyment.”
Manila’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday informed AFP the migrant employee died “while working at a resort in Mesaieed” south of Doha.
“[Diplomats are] working with legal authorities to ascertain more details,” the ministry mentioned in an announcement, including it will facilitate “the earliest repatriation” of his physique.
World soccer’s governing physique FIFA mentioned it was “deeply saddened by this tragedy”.
“As soon as FIFA was made aware of the accident, we contacted the local authorities to request more details,” it mentioned in an announcement.
Qatar’s World Cup organisers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, mentioned the positioning of the accident was not underneath its jurisdiction.
The man who died – a contractor – was additionally “not under the remit” of the committee, it mentioned in an announcement.
The World Cup started on November 20 and ends on December 18.
Originally printed as Qatar World Cup chief’s surprising response to migrant employee demise
