World Cup 2022: 'Issues of concern' remain for LGBTIQ+ people in Qatar

Progress has been slow and issues of concern remain, according to LGBTIQ+ groups engaging with Fifa over the World Cup.

The 16 groups feel that reassurances over the safety of LGBTIQ+ people in the host country have not been adequate.

If safety reassurances can't be given, they will have to ask if the risk is too high for people who want to attend.

They said there was a high level of cooperation from Fifa.

The decision to stage the tournament in a country where homosexuality is illegal has been heavily criticized.

The international group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBTIQ+) organizations has presented eight action points on LGBTIQ+ rights they want to see implemented before the tournament begins.

There are repeal laws and regulations that target people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer.

They want to make sure that the long-term safety of LGBTIQ+ people in the region is ensured.

The groups said that progress has been slow and that the mechanisms in place to ensure safety have not been adequate.

We will be forced to question if the risk of attending or working at the World Cup in Qatar is too high if acknowledgement of the issues facing LGBTIQ+ people is not offered.

Further meetings are planned with both the supreme committee of the tournament and the governing body of the game.

Their requested actions are as follows.

• Repeal laws or regulations that target LGBTIQ+ people.
• Provide explicit safety guarantees for LGBTIQ+ people against harassment, arrest or detention.
• Guarantee the right of entry to Qatar for LGBTIQ+ persons planning to attend the 2022 World Cup, as well as freedom of expression for all people in the country, inside and outside stadiums.
• Provide appropriate training in dealing with the LGBTIQ+ community.
• Ensure adequate facilities in stadiums for LGBTIQ+ persons.
• Fifa and the supreme committee communicate a clear welcome to Qatar for LGBTIQ+ persons planning to attend the 2022 World Cup, as well as freedom of expression for all people in the country, inside and outside stadiums.
• Ensure that there is no censorship or ban on discussion of LGBTIQ+ issues in the local and international media or in broadcasting.
• Work with stakeholders from the international and regional LGBTIQ+ community to ensure the long-term safety of LGBTIQ+ persons in the region.

Why is the Qatar World Cup controversial?

Fatma Al-Nuaimi, communications executive director of the supreme committee of the state of Qatar, told the British Broadcasting Corporation that everyone will be welcome at the World Cup.

The host nation of the tournament has come under fire for its human rights record.

The country has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, while women's rights are subject to debate.

The treatment of migrant labourers working to build the tournament has drawn criticism.

In February 2021, the Guardian reported 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had died in Qatar since it won its World Cup bid - a figure Qatar disputes.

An investigation commissioned by Fifa found no evidence of bribed officials after the initial decision to award the tournament to Qatar.

The event in the Middle Eastern country was about money and commercial interests according to the Netherlands manager.

It would be a shame if some England fans were not allowed to attend the World Cup because they were concerned about their safety, given the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community.

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