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A new report from the ITUC estimates that $15 billion profit will be made by companies working in Qatar on infrastructure for the controversial 2022 FIFA World Cup using up to 1.8 million migrant workers who are modern day slaves.

The report released on International Migrants Day is critical of Qatar for failing to deliver changes to labour rights or compliance, and warns construction companies, hotels, retail chains and UK and US Universities the cost of doing business in a slave state.

“Every CEO operating in Qatar is aware that their profits are driven by appallingly low wage levels – wages that are often based on a system of racial discrimination – and that these profits risk safety, resulting in indefensible workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths,” said Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation.
 

Head of UNI World Athletes, Brendan Schwab said, “UNI World Athletes strongly believes that international sporting federations including FIFA must guarantee fundamental international human and labour rights for everyone involved in the delivery of a mega sporting event. FIFA’s recent announcement that it will comply with the UN Guiding Principles on  Buiness and Human Rights is welcome. However, that commitment must apply immediately, be legally enforceable and have consequences in the form of remedies and compensation.”

Read the report: Qatar: Profit and Loss. Counting the cost of modern day slavery in Qatar: What price freedom? http://www.ituc-csi.org/frontlines-report-2015-qatar