November 10 – A French judge has placed Vinci Construction Grands Projets, a unit of French construction group Vinci, under formal investigation over allegations it violated the rights of migrant workers in Qatar.
The move follows a long-standing complaint filed by two NGOs, Paris-based human rights group Sherpa and the committee against modern slavery (CCEM), alongside 11 people who used to work for Qatari Diar Vinci Construction (QDVC), Vinci’s Qatari subsidiary in which the French company owns a 49% stake.
The two NGOs and former workers’ complaint accuses Vinci of “forced labour” and “keeping people in servitude”, amongst other charges. Vinci has repeatedly denied the claims.
“We’re pleased with the formal investigation,” said Sandra Cossart, head of Sherpa France. “The judge is sending a strong signal, as it’s the first time that a company is charged on this basis for one of its subsidiaries’ activities abroad.”
Vinci said through its lawyer that it would immediately appeal the judge’s decision.
The company had said in a statement on Monday that it was “extremely regrettable” that its subsidiary should face charges just before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
“Since 2015, VINCI has vigorously denied the allegations made against it concerning its projects in Qatar conducted by the company QDVC, in which VINCI Construction Grands Projets has a 49% stake,” Vinci said.
“Contrary to certain allegations made, none of the projects awarded to QDVC has any connection with the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar.
“In fact, these projects were entrusted to QDVC before the competition was awarded to Qatar and mainly relate to transport infrastructures. VINCI did not sign any contract with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, and has not built any stadium or hotel in Qatar.”
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