Former England worldwide John Barnes hit again at critics who’ve questioned World Cup host Qatar’s therapy of migrant staff, saying the nation’s critics have turned a blind eye to its progress on human rights.
Qatar, which was awarded the internet hosting rights for the World Cup in 2010, has confronted intense criticism from human rights teams for its therapy of migrant staff. The nation has made adjustments to its labor legal guidelines in recent times, ending its “kafala” sponsorship system, elevating the minimal wage, and organising an insurance coverage fund to assist migrants who’re cheated out of their wages. has established.
Barnes, who performed 79 matches for England between 1983-1995, wrote in a press release: “While there is still a long way to go, the situation is a step ahead of where it was ten years ago – with improvements in housing, facilities and wages.” Column for The Times.
“It is interesting to see that some of those who are making a lot of noise now have little to say about Qatar’s development over the last 20 years.”
Qatar has additionally been criticized for its legal guidelines in opposition to same-sex relationships, homosexuality is taken into account unlawful within the conservative Muslim nation, however organizers have repeatedly said that everybody, no matter their sexual orientation or background, can take part through the match. Well welcome.
The captains of seven European nations had deliberate to point out help for LGBTQ folks in Qatar by carrying ‘OneLove’ armbands through the match, however these plans have been scrapped after FIFA threatened to ban them. Barnes condemned Qatar’s stance on LGBT rights, however stated guests to the nation wanted to respect its legal guidelines, including that boycotting the World Cup would have “a far greater impact” than carrying armbands. “.
Barnes stated, “Qatar invites ‘everyone’ to the World Cup, gay or straight, but demands that ‘everyone’ respect their customs, laws and culture.”
“Rainbow colours and OneLove armbands promote one thing that’s unlawful in Qatar, although we predict it should not be. People coming to our nation is not going to be allowed to advertise one thing that’s unlawful.”
Barnes stated it was hypocrisy for English critics to seek out fault with Qatar, pointing to the therapy of black communities in Britain.
Barnes stated, “While discrimination is rooted in Qatari law, discrimination is also rooted in British society and culture.”
“Too many black people are stopped, searched and detained because they are black. Before we start lecturing and preaching to the rest of the world, let’s sort ourselves out.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
