Japan Press Weekly

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2022 November 23 - 29 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

FIFA World Cup should send the world message of non-discrimination and peaceful society

Akahata 'current' column

It has been only half a century since the small Middle Eastern country of Qatar broke away from the English territories. Qatar has abundant natural gas and oil resources bringing wealth to the country. It is said that 90% of its 2.9 million population are foreign workers.

The quadrennial World Cup is now taking place in Qatar. The designated stadiums for the tournament are all very unique. However, some point out that many migrant workers died at World Cup-related construction sites. As a series of accidents occurred due to intense heat and poor working conditions, the situation was often criticized as modern-day slavery.

Qatar prohibits same-sex relations by law, which also came under criticism from the international community. The host country of Qatar received global attention to its human rights violations in the country and met with protest even from some players. In Japan as well, when the Tokyo Olympics was forced through despite the COVID pandemic, many people turned a critical eye on the holding of the Games which were tainted with corruptions.

Russia's war of aggression is casting a dark shadow over the world. It is meaningful that sports events can bring the world together. This is why the World Cup must be a place for all peoples to call for non-discrimination and peace.