Qatar is struggling on the brink of the World Cup
With not much time left until the World Cup begins in Qatar, the country’s officials are under intense pressure from human rights organizations, political figures, and even athletes. These pressures have intensified in recent weeks and seem likely to increase in the coming days.
One of the most significant aspects of Qatar’s political and social behavior in preparing to host the World Cup has been the extensive effort to divert international public attention from the condition of migrant workers in the country. These workers have borne the burden of constructing stadiums and facilities, and reports about the death of many of them and the overall dire state of their living and working conditions have been shocking.
Now, the Qatari government has found a strange and ruthless solution to whitewash its situation. Qatari authorities have begun evacuating migrant workers’ accommodations to drive them out of areas where tourist attractions and hotels for fans from around the world will be centered in downtown Doha. Asian and African migrant workers have been removed from accommodations that were already in very poor condition, and many are unable to find shelter. Some are wandering on the sidewalks.