Qatar summons German envoy over World Cup rights criticism
The HinduQatar summoned the German ambassador on Friday over remarks by Germany's interior minister, who appeared to criticise the decision to award the World Cup to the Gulf Arab nation because of its human rights record. In comments carried by German broadcaster ARD on Thursday, Faeser said that the German government is convinced that the awarding of major sports events should be tied to observance of human rights and sustainability. ARD reported that, asked about the decision to send the World Cup to Qatar, she said that “there are criteria that have to be kept to, and then it would be better not to award to such states.” In an official statement issued on Friday, Faeser noted that “no World Cup takes place in a vacuum.” She added that with regard to future international sporting events, "we must ensure that their awarding and organisation is tied to human rights standards.” Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it summoned the ambassador to convey its “disappointment and complete rejection and condemnation” of Faeser's remarks. In a televised speech earlier this week, Qatar's ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said his country “has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign that no host country has ever faced," one that has included “fabrications and double standards.” Qatar has said much of the criticism of its treatment of migrant workers ignores reforms enacted in recent years that have been praised by the U.N. as well as major human rights groups.