October 31 – Qatar’s World Cup preparations continue to be buffeted by off-the-field political interventions with Germany’s human rights envoy postponing an official visit.
On Friday Qatar summoned the German ambassador to the country over remarks by interior minister, Nancy Faeser, who appeared to criticise the decision to award the World Cup to the Gulf state because of its human rights record.
As a result, Luise Amtsberg, Germany’s human rights envoy, has called off a visit she had been scheduled to make today with Faeser who was still due to travel with government officials and a German FA delegation.
“The developments this weekend have made clear to me how difficult it is in the current situation ahead of the World Cup to have the open and also critical conversation I planned with the government of Qatar,” said Amtsberg.
“While recognising Qatar’s growing role as a regional and global actor, international pressure and our efforts to protect human rights will remain central even after the World Cup.”
In comments carried by German broadcaster ARD, Faeser had been quoted as saying, when asked about Qatar’s right to host: “There are criteria that have to be kept to, and then it would be better not to award to such states. No World Cup takes place in a vacuum.”
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the ambassador to convey its “disappointment and complete rejection and condemnation” of Faeser’s remarks.
Qatar insists treatment of migrant workers ignores reforms enacted in recent years but human rights organisations say not enough has been done.
Several European countries participating in the World Cup are backing a campaign for a compensation fund to be set up for migrant workers who took part in the construction of stadiums and infrastructure.
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