Amnesty International deplores the FFF’s refusal to speak publicly about human rights in Qatar

After sending an open letter to France’s players urging them to speak out about human rights in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Amnesty International revealed a discussion was held with the French Football Federation. The NGO regrets that the Commission does not wish to talk about this subject.

A few months before the start of the 2022 World Cup, the issue of human rights in Qatar, especially the working conditions of migrant workers, is still shocking. In order to raise awareness of this topic, Amnesty International has published an open letter inviting players from Team France to comment on this topic. Prior to this process, the NGO had the opportunity to discuss the matter with Noel Le Graet, President of the French Football Federation (FFF).

In After Foot on RMC, Amnesty French’s advocacy officer Lola Schulman makes it clear that the FFF does not want to take a stand. What she denounces: “The union should not be silent, and it should speak publicly about the issue of rights violations in Qatar, and the answer is that there will be no public talk about it.”

According to Lola Shulman, Noel Le Graet justifies this decision by highlighting “real developments” in Qatar. What are the nuances of AI: “Some workers have seen changes. (…) But today the account is not there. In six months [du début de la compétition]We are very concerned.”

“Talking about human rights should not be a taboo in France”

Other European countries did not adopt the French position. Lola Schulman emphasizes that Danes, Germans, and Belgians are mobilizing. Our European colleagues and these associations are discussing what we can do about our trips to Qatar, to make sure it’s okay in our hotels. They’re talking openly about it.”

Amnesty International insists that “talking about human rights should not be a taboo subject in France. We must recognize the impact of a word from Noel Le Graet”.