ATLANTA (AP) – Human rights scandal has undermined the World Cup tournament for many years, but FIFA is testing new protocols that require all host committees to develop action plans to protect human rights North American 2026 Games.
However, in games that are less than a year old, their commitment to FIFA’s support human rights It’s still under scrutiny. Human rights advocates who wanted more enforceable standards and clearer directions for local officials say FIFA has watered down a more robust model for its planning.
“The location where we landed is very different from what we consulted, but the existence of the framework is unprecedented in many ways. Sports organizations do not have a human rights framework that reflects the breadth of issues covered by so many jurisdictions. However, the plan is merely a plan. We are working with the Dignity 2026 Coalition, FIFA on Human Rights.
In addition to the uncertainty of supporters, several U.S. host committees said they were unable to meet the march deadline for an early draft of their plans. A FIFA spokesperson said the governing body is working closely with Host City and the county and is on track to develop a final action plan by August 29th. 16 North American sites host games in the US with 11 animals
Human rights concerns in North America, unlike other countries where FIFA fired fire, do not protect workers or large stadiums and transport construction projects. Migrant workers worked Qatar burnt fever More than a decade ago, the 2022 World Cup was there, human rights advocates worry about the life of migrant workers coming back Saudi Arabia is at riskhosts the game in 2034.
FIFA proposal The 2026 plan includes guidelines for non-discrimination, security, prevention of human trafficking and protecting workers’ rights, including migrant workers.
“The host community is invested quite a bit in their legacy, so they stepped up,” said Deborah Greenfield, a labor rights expert in the 2026 advisory group of experts supporting FIFA human rights work.
Tensions in the local area are rising
US President Donald Trump has stepped up immigration enforcement across the country, fearing federal law enforcement officials would arrest workers and even travelers during games. Trump A travel ban has been imposed 12 countries and seven face limits in June.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has close ties with Trump. A FIFA spokesman said he is working with the White House task force to “take millions of people from different countries and communities” in the United States.
Miami-Dade County protesters gathered outside the FIFA office in June to demand that the governing body protect travelers and workers and oppose Trump’s immigration moves. It said that a Club World Cup event hosted in the area by a Spanish-language television network was cancelled after an unexpected Coast Guard inspection that included at least one Border Patrol agent, the local outlet reported.
“There’s no guarantee that ice cream may not be posted to the World Cup,” said Jeff Mitchell, president of AFL-CIO in South Florida.
Local organizers do not appear to have prepared a human rights plan and have not agreed to meet with the union, Mitchell said. He said the area has a history of wage theft in states where workers’ thermal protection laws are weak.
“I like how organizations like FIFA say they’re making these human rights efforts, but they’re not pushing that,” Mitchell said. “They leave it to the locals to do that. What tends to happen is that everyone gets their bags and then turn a blind eye to making sure people get paid properly or not get harassed.”
Miami-Dade officials referred the Associated Press to a local hosts committee but did not respond to requests for comment.
When Atlanta prepared to host the Olympics in 1996, more than 9,000 noisy people were arrested, and plans to eliminate downtown homelessness were arrested before World Cup worries defended people being jailed again.
Atlanta officials and partners say the Downtown Rising Plan is part of the mayor’s large investment in reducing homelessness and building affordable housing. The goal is to house people rather than put them in prison, officials say.
In California, Democratic government Gavin Newsom has become a city Camping is prohibited In May, I provided money for mental health and substance use treatment. Cities with impending sporting events have strengthened enforcement; Including San JoseThose who reject three offers of shelter are unholy, eligible for arrest for trespassing. The mayor said the policy encourages people to move inside.
“This panic rush, which erases visible signs of poverty, is extremely concerned,” said Dr. Mark Spencer, a doctor at an Atlanta hospital who is involved in local advocacy. “Politicians and the business community know that visible signs of poverty are not popular. It’s the driving force behind what’s going on. It’s not about human rights in a meaningful way.”
Working to address standards
FIFA Human Rights Policy The release in 2017 requires bidders for the men’s 2026 World Cup to respect “in accordance with the UN’s guidelines principles.”
Submitted by a group of international lawyers Formal complaints In May, FIFA claims that the body of soccer cannot maintain human rights policy 2034 World Cup Host Saudi Arabia.
In North America, Greenfield said she has achieved the goal of FIFA having a serious tournament that “respects and promotes human rights” and that she will not take part in the effort if she doesn’t think that is possible.
Candice Stanciel, Chief Equity Officer of Atlanta, said the city was committed to human rights work before FIFA came in and began efforts to combat trafficking at airports, hotels and public transport. Authorities are working on potential language tools, accessibility measures for people with disabilities, and apps that report issues, including human rights violations.
It is one of Seattle’s largest labor organizations, and the city’s organising committee signed a Labor Standards Agreement last year. The International Labour Organization added that it is “a key step in harnessing the power of sports and providing appropriate work worldwide,” which is known as FIFA’s human rights framework, adding that it is consistent with international labor standards.
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Kramon is a legion of the Associated Press/America House News Initiative report. American Report It is a non-profit, national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms and reports on secret issues.
