Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East, demonstrations were held in England demanding improvements in the human rights situation of foreign workers involved in the construction of facilities and local sexual minorities. was broken.
On the 19th, British human rights activists and others held a demonstration in front of the Qatar embassy in London, the capital, and about 50 people participated.
Regarding the Qatar Games, it has been pointed out that many foreign workers who were involved in the construction of stadiums and other facilities died under poor working conditions, and homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Protests are ongoing over human rights.
Protesters held up rainbow flags, symbolizing gender diversity, and placards that read, "The Qatar government is arresting sexual minorities and forcing them to change their identities." “Shame on you, Qatar,” and “No freedom, no football.”
One of the organizers, Peter Tatchell, who was also detained while demonstrating in Qatar, said, "I want the Qatari government and FIFA to focus on and stop human rights abuses in Qatar. It is important that we continue to reach out to the locals. Fans who want to enjoy watching the tournament should also spread information about and support the oppressed people there.”