In the wake of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has found itself under the international microscope regarding its human rights practices, particularly concerning labor laws and the treatment of migrant workers. The recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva highlighted both commendations and criticisms directed at Qatar’s ongoing efforts to reform its labor systems. While there has been progress, significant challenges remain, calling into question the sustainability and depth of these reforms.
Qatar has made strides in improving labor laws, primarily aimed at transforming the working conditions for migrant workers—who constitute a substantial part of the nation’s workforce. Senior diplomat Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah noted the introduction of minimum wage laws, improved freedom for workers to change employers, and measures designed to combat forced labor and human trafficking. This is a significant leap from the previous kafala system, which effectively trapped workers under the control of their employers, often leading to exploitation and abuse.
The shift in policy has drawn praise from various nations, including the Netherlands, which commended these legislative reforms while emphasizing the urgency of effective enforcement. However, the call by Michelle Thuaudet from France for Qatar to fully pursue the implementation of these labor laws underscores the gap that still exists between legislation and actual practice on the ground.
Despite the advancements, the kafala system remains a focal point of contention. Delegates from Sierra Leone have urged Qatar to consider abolishing all facets of this employment framework, which binds workers to one specific employer, thereby stifling their freedom and exposing them to potential abuses. This echoes a broader concern expressed by multiple international organizations, including Amnesty International, which have called for comprehensive reforms to ensure fair working conditions and the protection of workers’ rights.
Furthermore, Qatar’s death penalty laws and policies around same-sex relations were scrutinized, drawing recommendations from Brazil, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and others for reform. The call for decriminalization of consensual same-sex relationships highlights Qatar’s need to align its legal framework more closely with universal human rights standards and the growing global emphasis on individual freedoms.
Another area of discussion during the Human Rights Council review pertains to women’s rights in Qatar. Al Muftah’s report indicating that the number of women in diplomatic roles has risen from three to 120 over recent years was a notable achievement. However, this progress must be contextualized within the broader landscape of women’s rights, which still encounters significant obstacles. Recommendations from numerous countries—including Sweden and Iceland—advocate for reforms in divorce laws, child custody rights, inheritance laws, and the re-evaluation or elimination of male guardianship. These discussions reflect a compelling need for Qatar to enhance the agency and rights of women within its legal framework, recognizing their equal position in society.
As Qatar looks ahead to potentially hosting the 2036 Olympics, the lessons learned from the World Cup manifest as a double-edged sword. On one hand, the event was a catalyst for change, pushing the country toward improved labor standards; on the other, the scrutiny attendant to such international events raises expectations for ongoing reforms. FIFA’s impending decision about Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup further underscores the global focus on human rights compliance in the context of sports.
Qatar stands at a crossroads—its recent achievements in labor reform and women’s rights are commendable but insufficient for addressing the entrenched issues still facing these sectors. The international community’s recommendations serve not merely as critiques but as opportunities for Qatar to enhance its reputation and fulfill its commitments to human rights. Moving forward, it is imperative that the emirate not only enacts laws but also rigorously implements them, ensuring that improvements are genuine, sustained, and reflective of the values of dignity and equality for all. As Qatar embraces its role on the global stage, the path it takes will have lasting implications, not only for its citizens but for how international sports events are perceived in the broader human rights narrative.