Human Rights Strategy Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid 147112
Human Rights Strategy Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid 147112
July 2024
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Contents
I. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3
II. Risk assessment .................................................................................................................. 7
A. Labor rights.................................................................................................................. 7
B. Diversity and anti-discrimination .................................................................................... 8
C. Accessibility ..................................................................................................................... 8
D. Safeguarding ................................................................................................................ 9
E. Security ......................................................................................................................... 10
III. Human Rights Risks prevention and mitigation ................................................................ 11
A. Labor rights................................................................................................................ 11
B. Diversity and anti-discrimination .................................................................................. 13
C. Accessibility ................................................................................................................... 15
D. Safeguarding .............................................................................................................. 16
E. Security ......................................................................................................................... 18
F. Additional considerations for human rights protection ............................................... 20
IV. Grievance mechanism ...................................................................................................... 22
V. Stakeholder engagement .................................................................................................. 26
VI. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 28
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I. Introduction
As we embark on the journey towards hosting the FIFA World Cup, we recognize the
profound responsibility that comes with this privilege, not only to celebrate our nation’s
passion for football but also to uphold the principles of human rights throughout this
journey and beyond.
Our nation stands firm in its dedication to protect human rights. The Basic Law of
Governance ensures the protection of human rights in the Kingdom in accordance with
Islamic law. Additionally, our country is a part of several international agreements that
contribute to the protection of human rights, such as the Convention of the Rights of the
Child, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,
and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, among others.
In 2016, the Kingdom unveiled a bold and unprecedented roadmap for modernization and
reform, called Vision 2030. It is a vision to reshape the future of our nation through a
comprehensive plan aimed at transforming the Kingdom into an ambitious nation with a
flourishing and diversified economy, a vibrant society, and a central hub for culture,
entertainment, and sport. Since the launch of our Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed
human rights principles at the center of its plans. Our journey is marked by significant
reforms designed to foster an inclusive and rights-respecting society. Some examples of
these reforms include:
- The Labor Reform Initiative of 2021, which included various measures that enhanced
labor protections including improving workers’ protection of fundamental principles
and rights at work;
- The High Order No. 33322 (2018), the Royal Order No. (M/134) (2019) and the
issuance of the personal status law, enhancing women’s rights in relation to various
matters including gender discrimination;
- The enactment of the Law of Rights of Persons with Disabilities which set forth
fundamental disability-related principles and specific protections;
- The 2018 enactment of Anti-Harassment Law, which focuses on safeguarding
everyone, including vulnerable people, from harassment;
- And the Ministry of Interior 2019 resolution on usage of firearms by security
personnel, incorporating the principles of necessity and proportionality
Although these reforms have made significant impact on various aspects of the human rights
field in our country—such as boosting women's participation in the labor force (surpassing
Vision 2030 target of 30%), boosting women participation in sports, enhancing life
expectancy, integrating more persons with disabilities into the workforce, reducing
trafficking victims, curbing extremism, etc. —many of these reforms are relatively recent and
their full potential has not yet been fully realized. As we continue to implement and build
upon these changes, we anticipate further improvements in the future. The Kingdom is
committed to continue on the path of reforms towards 2030 and beyond, viewing the FIFA
World Cup 2034 as an exciting opportunity in this context.
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While we acknowledge the great potential of sports to positively transform society, we also
recognize the additional complexities in protecting human rights when hosting mega
sporting events due to their scale and participation. We also recognize the additional
challenges posed by being the first nation to bid as a sole host to the tournament in its
expanded version. To ensure a successful hosting of the competition in the Kingdom, we will
leverage our scored progress along with our collective experience and stellar track record in
organizing and hosting major sporting and entertainment events. In fact, over the past few
years, the Kingdom had organized multiple mega events such as the Formula 1 and E Grand
Prix, the Dakar Rally tournament, the FIFA club World Cup and other prestigious golf, tennis
and football tournaments, attracting millions of visitors from across the world, including
athletes, fans, officials, workers and journalists who visited the Kingdom safely and securely.
We firmly believe that this presents an opportunity for us in the Kingdom and in partnership
with FIFA, to achieve our goal in “growing together”, and just as we prioritized human rights
to achieve our goals towards progress and prosperity, we must ensure that we also protect
and promote human rights as we work together to grow football worldwide.
With the guidance of the FIFA hosting requirements and criteria pertaining to human rights,
the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is committed to leveraging all the tools at its
disposal that will enable us to develop and implement a robust human rights strategy. Our
strategy is based on the findings of an independent assessment of potential risks and gaps in
current regulations and policies related to the areas that are directly impacted by the
preparation and hosting of a mega sporting event. Working with key stakeholders, we will
put in place measures to prevent and mitigate those risks, as well as mechanisms to address
future risks and grievances. In line with the objectives of Vision 2030, we pledge to ensure
that every aspect of preparing and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™ adheres to our
commitments to relevant international standards for promoting and protecting human
rights.
A key asset of our strategy is the full support and commitment from our government to
upholding and improving human rights under Vision 2030. With support from the Kingdom’s
leadership, SAFF has formed a working group dedicated to human rights and composed of
relevant entities across government to develop and implement this strategy. The group is
composed of senior officials and has been enabled with decision making authority within
the mandate of its member entities. This working group will continue to function, should we
be awarded with the honor of hosting the tournament, and will be expanded as necessary,
to include relevant local communities, civil society organizations, UN agencies and other
international organizations in order to implement this strategy effectively.
To set the direction for this strategy, we relied on the findings of the independent human
rights context assessment, commissioned by SAFF, in compliance with the FIFA hosting
requirements. The human rights working group assessed and validated how activities related
to preparing and hosting the tournament could increase risk and impact human rights.
Together with desk research, we engaged with multiple ministries and associations in
compliance with AA 1000 AS Standard to gather their input.
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We are committed to addressing these risks throughout the tournament phases, and
delivering a competition that adheres to human rights principles, particularly in relation to
the following five topics, where the impact of preparing and hosting the mega sporting
events is direct, and thus any risk must be addressed immediately:
Labor rights: We are dedicated to upholding our commitments to international standards for
promoting and protecting labor rights including the International Labor Organization’s (ILO)
fundamental conventions concerning forced labor, child labor, non-discrimination, and
occupational health and safety. Additionally, we will strive to ensuring that our partners,
especially within our supply chain, also uphold these standards.
Anti-discrimination: We are committed to cultivating a competition environment free of
discriminatory practices, and striving to eradicate discrimination based on race, ethnicity,
gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Accessibility: We will provide accessible infrastructure and services to ensure that everyone,
including individuals with disabilities and those with limited mobility, can participate in and
enjoy the event in line with FIFA’s accessibility requirements.
Safeguarding: We are committed to take proactive measures to protect people, especially
children and vulnerable adults, from harm or abuse though appropriate prevention and
response measures and promotion of their wellbeing. These measures will be in line with
international and FIFA standards, International Safeguards for Children in Sports, the IOC
Framework together with the Kingdom’s commitments to the various international
instruments to which it is party.
Security: We will work with the relevant government authorities and stakeholders to
prevent and mitigate any security-related risks, through validating and enhancing the
preparedness of security forces engaged in activities associated with the competition to
adhere to international standards, including UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and
Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, and UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement
Officials.
We are also committed to ensuring that our stakeholder engagement approach, initiated
during the preparation of this bid, will continue and expand during the implementation of
this strategy to include pertinent local communities, organizations from the civil society, UN
agencies (including the OHCHR, with whom the Human Rights Commission (HRC) has a MoU
to assist in developing capabilities and sharing best practices), and other local and
international organizations already involved in integrating human rights into global sporting
events.
Implementing this strategy will require significant resourcing, capacity building, and effort
from across the Kingdom and its partners over the next ten years; all of which we commit to
providing to meet our commitments and obligations. We take pride in these efforts, as they
will not only contribute to the success of this event but also create a lasting legacy that will
benefit future generations through positive and sustainable changes.
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In the following pages, we present three key components: a human rights risk assessment
conducted by an independent assessor, outlining potential challenges and risks in preparing
for and hosting the competition; key human rights protection factors that contribute to the
prevention and mitigation of these risks; and a robust grievance mechanism designed to
provide a channel for individuals or groups who believe their rights have been adversely
impacted by competition-related activities to voice their concerns and seek resolution.
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II. Risk assessment
In compliance with the hosting requirements and in consultation with FIFA, we
commissioned an independent assessor, AS&H Clifford Chance, to conduct a robust human
rights context risk assessments in relation to preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup
2034™. The assessment included robust engagement by the assessor with relevant
stakeholders in the Kingdom to examine current policies and regulations, and identify salient
risks and gaps associated with preparing and hosting the tournament
The assessment focused on analyzing the alignment of the Kingdom’s legislation and legal
practices with the international instruments to which the Kingdom is a party (please see
Annex B of the detailed independent assessment document) and relevant to the five rights
topics that commonly increase human rights risk in connection with mega sports events, and
thus may arise in connection with preparing and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™:
A. Labor rights
This section discusses the rights and protections under labor-related instruments that may
apply to persons working on activities directly or indirectly related to preparing and hosting
the FIFA World Cup 2034™. These activities include construction and enhancement of stadia
and accommodation, development of transport and other infrastructure, provision of
hospitality, tourism, health, media, security and other services, as well as various activities in
supply chains.
The independent assessment identified areas for improvement that would enhance the
protection of labor rights in the Kingdom, particularly concerning workers on short term
contracts and/or in the Kingdom for the sole purpose of working on tournament-related
preparation and staging.
# Key findings from independent assessment report
Employers are still responsible for renewing their employees’ residence and work
A1
permits and hold the power to revoke migrant workers’ visas
There is a potential ambiguity in the Labor Law with respect to non-Saudi workers
entering the Kingdom for tasks lasting no more than two months (temporary
A2
workers) and in specific their inclusion in its provisions (Article 7 says they are
excluded, article 6 says that only certain rules apply to them)
Further clarity may be needed in terms of the Labor Law and the Temporary and
Seasonal Visas Regulations which provide for differing maximum durations of stay,
A3 of three months and six months, respectively; and Article 1 of the Implementing
Regulations of the Labor Law provides for the conversion of temporary workers to
permanent status after 90 days
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The Labor Law, explicitly applies to discrimination on the basis of gender, disability,
or age, with a catch-all for “any other form of discrimination”, but could provide
A4
further certainty by explicitly specifying all categories, as per the DEOC (race, color,
sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin)
There is a need to ensure judicial authorities and law enforcement are aware of
B3 international obligations and best practices, and thus ensure access to legally
afforded mechanisms
C. Accessibility
This section discusses protections for persons with disabilities, who may be involved in
various capacities in mega sports events, including workers and volunteers, officials, athletes
and players, team members, spectators, and fans. It is essential that persons with disabilities
have adequate and equal access to infrastructure and facilities, information,
communications, and work, to enjoy full participation in tournament-related activities.
Equally, the accessibility rights of persons with disabilities in communities close to host
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venues or to other infrastructure and facilities will need to be protected both in the
preparation and hosting stages.
The independent assessment identified areas for improvement that would enhance the
protection of people with disabilities’ rights.
# Key findings from independent assessment report
There is a need to train judges, law enforcement officials, traffic police and prison
C2
employees on communicating with persons with disabilities
Given the recent adoption of the Law of Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its
C4 Implementing Regulations, there is a necessity to keep focus on ensuring its proper
implementation
D. Safeguarding
This section discusses risks to children and vulnerable adults in the context of mega sports
events, including physical and mental abuse, neglect, economic and sexual exploitation,
discrimination, trafficking and harassment. The well-being of individuals - especially children
- within local communities also may be affected, including through exploitation, forced labor
and trafficking.
The independent assessment identified areas for improvement that would enhance the
protection of children and vulnerable adults during the World Cup
# Key findings from independent assessment report
It is important to keep focus on legal practice in the Kingdom, and assurance of
effectiveness including access to the legally afforded mechanisms and to relevant
D1
training for judicial authorities and law enforcement, as these Instruments relate to
the hosting and staging of the FIFA World Cup 2034
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It is suggested that SAFF considers developing and implementing an integrated
D2
safeguarding policy, taking account of the elements outlined in the FIFA Toolkit
E. Security
This section discusses risks for those visiting the Kingdom to work on or experience the FIFA
World Cup 2034™, as well as local workers and communities, that may be impacted by
security issues. Security considerations will be relevant not only to stadia and dedicated
tournament venues and training sites, but also to airports, transportation hubs and facilities,
hotels and other accommodation, media and broadcast centers, hospitality venues and
tourist sites. Individuals accessing and working at any of these locations or in providing
tournament-related services, participating in the games as officials, players and team
members, and/or attending or visiting as spectators and fans may be at risk of adverse
impacts in connection with security measures taken in the context of the tournament.
The independent assessment identified areas for improvement that would enhance the
security during the competition.
# Key findings from independent assessment report
There are no clear requirements for the use of firearms by private security guards,
E1 as current laws only cover general provisions such as licensing, handling, and the
prevention of cruel or degrading treatment
The interaction of public law enforcement and private security personnel in the
context of hosting and staging the FIFA World Cup 2034 may involve circumstances
E2
bringing to bear the general principles of necessity and proportionality—both as to
legal practice relating to recent reforms and as to further measures
UN Committee Against Torture has expressed reservations about the historical
capacity of judiciary to address impunity, victim redress, and due process, despite
E3 recent reforms aimed at enhancing the judicial system and increasing judicial
capacity, and protecting human rights, especially for women, prisoners, and
persons with disabilities
There is a need to create specific rules, procedures, and training for law
E4 enforcement and private security interactions with stakeholders involved in the
FIFA World Cup 2034
E5 Effective grievance mechanisms and remedies should be established
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III. Human Rights Risks prevention and mitigation
This section outlines crucial protective measures aimed at preventing and mitigating human
rights risks associated with preparing and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™.
Our vision for human rights articulates our commitments and provides a cohesive
framework to guide action:
“To ensure robust protection of human rights throughout the preparation and hosting of
the FIFA World Cup 2034™, while celebrating together our shared passion for football.”
Our vision is guided by the principles of Vision 2030, and will be delivered through a multi-
stakeholder effort, inclusive of Stadium Authority, Training Site Authority, Airport Authority,
and Accommodation Authority, and in collaboration with the Kingdom’s existing ecosystem
through a senior level working group dedicated for human rights.
We are fully aware that our vision can’t be realized without achieving five key objectives that
mainly focus on the rights topics that commonly raise human rights issues in connection
with preparing and hosting mega sports events:
A. Labor rights: Ensure equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all
individuals involved in World Cup preparations.
B. Diversity and anti-discrimination: Secure an inclusive environment free from
discrimination across all stages of the tournament: preparation, staging, and post-
competition.
C. Accessibility: Guarantee that all World Cup facilities and services are fully accessible
to people with disabilities according to international standards.
D. Safeguarding: Uphold robust policies and protocols to prevent and respond to abuse
during the event.
E. Security: Ensure the safety of all participants and attendees, while abiding by
international security standards.
To achieve these objectives, we will leverage the protective measures already in place in the
Kingdom, draw from our past experiences, and pursue new initiatives, guided by the findings
of the independent assessment and our national policies, to address any current limitations
and further strengthen existing protections to accommodate the complexities related to
preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™.
A. Labor rights
Labor rights are a fundamental aspect of the Kingdom’s protected rights. The Basic Law of
Governance mandates that the government facilitates business opportunities for every
capable individual and enacts regulations to protect both businesses and employees.
The Kingdom has a Labor Law dedicated to organizing and protecting labor activities within
the country. This law is periodically reviewed and updated to align with best practices and
the Kingdom’s commitments to various international labor agreements. Over the last 11
years, the Labor Law has been revised six times, with the latest reform in March 2021,
demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding labor rights.
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This law considers four key areas mentioned in international instruments which include
forced labor, discrimination, child labor, and working hours and conditions. Amongst
numerous examples, it prohibits the use of forced labor and unauthorized changes in
employment terms or work under threat. It also sets limits on working hours, capping
regular workdays at eight hours and weekly hours at 48 over a maximum of six days per
week. In terms of child labor, it determines that the minimum age to work is 15 years, while
children between the ages of 13 and 15 may perform light work which is not harmful to their
health or growth and will not interfere with their education. The labor law prohibits
discrimination at work based on gender, age, disability or any other basis.
Efforts to update legislations and worker protections in the Kingdom continue: the Ministry
of Human Resources and Social Development have recently entered into two partnership
agreements with the ILO: the first partnership aims to leverage ILO's expertise to analyze
and enhance policies and capabilities across various sectors including employment and labor
market policy, social dialogue, fundamental principles and rights at work, skills development,
and occupational safety and health. This partnership has resulted in several key outcomes,
notably the issuance of a national policy and workplan for the prevention of child labor. The
second partnership aims to support the analysis and policy development of cooperatives and
the broader social and solidarity economy (SSE). These efforts will contribute to addressing
labor-related challenges identified in the independent assessment (A1, A2, A3, and A4).
Reforms implemented in recent years, in coordination with multiple stakeholders, have led
to significant improvements in key areas. For instance, various initiatives to empower
women and ensure equal employment rights resulted in a 20% increase in the number of
employed women in the Saudi labor market from 2021 to 2022. For migrant workers,
compliance with the expatriate workers' wage protection system—which monitors timely
and accurate payment—rose from 50% in 2017 to 86% in 2023. In the realm of occupational
health and safety, the Kingdom approved and launched the National Policy for Occupational
Safety in 2021 and authorized the formation of the National Council for Occupational Safety
and Health (NCOSH) in February 2022. These policies, along with other efforts by the
Kingdom, have led to significant advancements in this field, particularly in large-scale
projects in recent years. Notable examples include the Qiddiya project, the Diriyah Gate
project, and the Red Sea project, which were marked by high safe man-hours. For example,
in May 2023, Diriyah achieved 50 million safe working hours, and in August 2023, the Red
Sea Project achieved 1 million safe working hours with no lost-time incidents during the first
phase of the Desert Rock mountain resort.
While our current and future efforts will play a major role in the prevention and mitigation
of risks related to labor rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we will also
collaborate with the government to introduce additional initiatives that address any current
limitations and further strengthen existing protections, accommodating the complexities
related to preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™:
- We will verify that our legislations and practices align with our commitments to
various international agreements pertaining to labor rights and implement any
required enhancements. This includes reviewing the key findings identified in the
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independent assessment and proposing necessary measures to address them, in
accordance with our commitments to these international agreements
- We will develop a supply chain sourcing code, considering our laws and the FIFA
sustainable sourcing code, to ensure that suppliers and vendors adhere to relevant
standards in their sourcing and production processes
- We will develop a framework with government, law enforcement, and key
stakeholders to perform supplier due diligence and ensure compliance with the
developed supply chain sourcing code
- We will develop mandatory welfare standards for workers that must be met by
service providers, suppliers, and subcontractors
- We will include provisions into all contracts with third parties to secure respect for
our human rights commitments and mitigate the risk of adverse human rights
impacts
- We will develop a framework with government, law enforcement, and relevant
stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of labor law and
workers’ welfare standards (e.g., regular inspections on construction sites or on
stadia)
- We will develop and implement a Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Strategy that is underpinned by our commitments to labor rights and apply this
strategy across our procurement and supply chain activities
- We will conduct training sessions specifically aimed at improving the understanding
of labor rights and workers’ welfare standards among judges and law enforcement
officials.
- We will conduct promotional and awareness campaigns to educate construction
companies about labor rights and inform workers about their rights, and grievance
channels in case of any violations
It is worth mentioning that these efforts, will not only contribute to the prevention and
mitigation of labor rights related risks during the preparation and hosting of the tournament,
but will also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations through positive and
sustainable changes.
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These measures will also contribute to addressing diversity and anti-discrimination-related
challenges identified in the independent assessment (B1, B2, B3, and B4)
It is worth mentioning that these efforts, will not only contribute to the prevention and
mitigation of anti-discrimination related risks during the preparation and hosting of the
tournament, but will also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations through
positive and sustainable changes.
C. Accessibility
In the Kingdom, the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the primary framework
that protects the rights of individuals with disabilities. Recently reviewed and updated to
better align with best practices and the Kingdom’s commitments to various international
agreements, this law is based on a number of fundamental principles aligned with the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) objectives, such as non-
discrimination on the basis of disability and provision for meeting accessibility requirements
and making facilitative arrangements for persons with disabilities.
The Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities encompasses various areas such as
education, health, employment, and social support, emphasizing the use of alternative
communication methods like verbal, written, and sign language. This law guarantees equal
employment opportunities and requires essential accommodations in the workplace.
Moreover, it prohibits abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring that the needs of persons
with disabilities are considered in all touristic, cultural, and sporting activities.
Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom focused on reviewing and enhancing its
legislations and also introducing initiatives and programs that will contribute to
implementing these legislations, to achieving their objectives to support and enable PwDs
and help them to integrate in the society. For example, the Kingdom introduced the
Mowama program which encourages private sector companies to create inclusive and
accommodating work environments. We also implemented multiple initiatives to support
PwDs in their daily lives (e.g., financial support, home care, assistive devices, etc.).
In addition to these programs, the government has established the Authority for the Care of
Persons with Disabilities, a national entity dedicated to caring for and empowering
individuals with disabilities and ensure their access to disability-related rights, as per the law.
While our current and future efforts will play a major role in the prevention and mitigation
of risks related to accessibility in the context of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we will also
collaborate with the government to introduce additional initiatives that address any current
limitations and further strengthen existing protections, accommodating the complexities
related to preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™:
- We will enact existing sign language legislation and collaborate with deaf
communities, educators, linguists, and legal experts to develop comprehensive
policies for Saudi Sign Language rights, interpreting international standards, and
guidelines
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- We will conduct training sessions specifically designed to enhance the
communication skills of law enforcement officials when interacting with people with
disabilities (e.g., Training on Saudi sign language)
- We will develop a framework with government, law enforcement, and relevant
stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of legislations,
policies and requirements related to people with disabilities (incl. accessibility
requirements for websites, public broadcasters, telecommunication operators and
organizers of public events)
- We will conduct training sessions specifically designed to raise awareness among law
enforcement officials regarding Law of Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its
Implementing Regulations
- We will conduct a promotional and awareness campaign to educate the Saudi
community and the broader relevant audience about Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
- We will carry out a study to evaluate the infrastructure requirements necessary to
meet FIFA's accessibility requirements, including assessments of stadium areas,
transportation, media zones, events zones, and seating for disabled individuals, and
will implement the necessary improvements
- We will assess the potential of introducing assistive technologies to enhance the
overall experience of people with disabilities throughout the competition providing
them with more independence and implement the recommendations
These measures will also contribute to addressing accessibility-related challenges identified
in the independent assessment (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5).
It is worth mentioning that these efforts, will not only contribute to the prevention and
mitigation of accessibility related risks during the preparation and hosting of the
tournament, but will also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations through
positive and sustainable changes.
D. Safeguarding
The Kingdom has various legislative measures that protect children and vulnerable adults
from physical and mental abuse, neglect, economic and sexual exploitation, discrimination,
trafficking and harassment.
The Child Protection Law protects a wide range of rights and provides safeguards for
children, including prohibition of harm or neglect, and it outlines the responsibility towards
the child and the child’s right to care. It also recognizes racial, social, or economic
discrimination against children as a type of abuse or neglect. Similarly, the Juveniles Law
offers various protection to youth, including that a person under the age of seven who
commits a punishable act shall not be subject to criminal prosecution.
In the context of harassment, the Kingdom has implemented measures to prevent
harassment through the Anti-Harassment Law, which has broad applicability, including
safeguarding athletes and participants in sports activities, and criminalizes any expression,
action, or gesture of a sexual nature that violates another person. For example, the law
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mandates that entities in both the public and private sectors take the necessary measures to
prevent and combat harassment within the work environment. This includes establishing a
mechanism for receiving complaints within the organization, setting procedures to verify
their validity and seriousness while maintaining confidentiality, and taking appropriate
disciplinary actions against any members who violate the provisions of this law.
Abuse is addressed through the Law of Protection Against Abuse which criminalizes abuse
against both women and men including any type of exploitation, physical, psychological, or
sexual mistreatment, or the threat thereof, committed by an individual against another
person.
Beyond the legislative framework to safeguard rights, the Kingdom has developed and
implemented multiple policies, strategies and programs to enhance the safeguarding of
children and vulnerable people. Some examples include: The National Policy and Action Plan
for the Prevention of Child Labor, the National Strategy on Persons with Disabilities, the
training programs with international organizations such as UNODC and IOM to combat
human trafficking, the MoU between the Ministry of Interior and the UN for technical
cooperation, and the social support programs which focus on providing support to children
or vulnerable people who have been abused, neglected or discriminated and help them to
recover.
These efforts have yielded positive results across multiple areas related to safeguarding,
inclusive of human trafficking. This progress is reflected in The Trafficking in Persons Report
where previously Saudi Arabia was ranked as a Tier 2 Watch List country in 2020, which
identifies countries attempting to comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)
standards but struggling with severe human trafficking and without evidence of increasing
efforts. However, in 2023, Saudi Arabia was promoted to Tier 2, which identifies countries
whose governments partially meet the TVPA’s minimum standards and are making
significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards. This Tier 2
classification was maintained in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons report, demonstrating Saudi
Arabia’s significant, ongoing efforts.
While our current and future efforts will play a major role in the prevention and mitigation
of risks related to safeguarding in the context of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we will also
collaborate with the government to introduce additional initiatives that address any current
limitations and further strengthen existing protections, accommodating the complexities
related to preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™:
- We will develop a framework with government, law enforcement, and relevant
stakeholders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of legislations related
to safeguarding
- We will conduct training sessions specifically designed to raise awareness among law
enforcement officials regarding legislations related to safeguarding
- We will develop a safeguarding policy in line with FIFA requirements (e.g., FIFA
Guardians child safeguarding toolkit), to be implemented by construction companies,
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event organizers, athletes, players, and all stakeholders involved in the staging and
hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034™
- We will develop a framework to ensure proper implementation and monitor
effectiveness of the SAFF safeguarding policy
- We will conduct training sessions to relevant stakeholders to ensure proper
implementation of the SAFF safeguarding policy
- We will develop a promotional and awareness campaign to educate the Saudi
community and the broader relevant audience about safeguarding
These measures will contribute to addressing safeguarding-related challenges identified in
the independent assessment (D1, D2, and D3).
It is worth mentioning that these efforts, will not only contribute to the prevention and
mitigation of safeguarding related risks during the preparation and hosting of the
tournament, but will also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations through
positive and sustainable changes.
E. Security
The Kingdom’s legislations and laws regulate the conduct of law enforcement officials, based
on the Basic Law of Governance, and include the Law of Criminal Procedure and its
Implementing Regulations, the Law of Civil Security Guards, the Law of Weapons and
Ammunition, the Imprisonment and Detention Law, and other relevant laws in the Kingdom.
These legislations are essential for ensuring the security of all citizens, residents, and visitors
across the various regions of the Kingdom. Efforts to update the Kingdom’s laws and
protections to ensure the security of its people are ongoing. For instance, one of our current
efforts is the development of a penal code that consolidates most crime-based penalties into
a single document. These efforts will help further enhance security and fair trial practices in
the Kingdom.
Over the past few years, the Kingdom increased its efforts in enhancing security measures,
especially in regard to combatting terrorism. According to Global Terrorism Index, Saudi
Arabia had a score of 5.0/10.0 in 2020, with 1 indicating the lowest level of terrorism and 10
indicating the highest. By 2024, Saudi Arabia significantly improved its score to
approximately 1.4/10.0, reflecting the substantial efforts in combating terrorism.
The Kingdom also possesses extensive experience in crowd management and security,
particularly demonstrated through the handling of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Every year,
the Kingdom successfully accommodate over 15 million visitors, ensuring their safety and
security. Law enforcement personnel are experienced in managing large crowds and are
equipped with the necessary skills to ensure a safe and secure environment for all
attendees. This is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to providing a secure
experience for its visitors, regardless of the scale of the event.
In sports and entertainment, our dedication to an integrated approach to safety, security
and service has significantly boosted the growth of these sectors and remains a key factor in
enabling us to host international sporting and entertainment events such as football
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tournaments, concerts, and expositions. During these events, all attendees were able to
enjoy the activities safely and securely without security-related risks.
While our current and future efforts will play a major role in the prevention and mitigation
of risks related to security in the context of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we will also
collaborate with the government to introduce additional initiatives that address any current
limitations and further strengthen existing protections, accommodating the complexities
related to preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™:
- We will continuously verify that our law of criminal procedures align with best
practices and our commitments to various international agreements related to
detention and fair trial
- We will verify that the developing penal code, takes into account best practices and
international standards to enhance security and ensure effective implementation
- We will continuously verify that our legislations and practices align with our
commitments to various international agreements pertaining to the use of firearms
by private security guards, including UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and
Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, and implement any required enhancements
- We will develop a framework to monitor and ensure adherence to the principles of
necessity and proportionality during public law enforcement and private security
activities
- We will conduct training sessions specifically designed to raise awareness among
judges regarding legislations related to detention and fair trial
- We will develop a process and code of conduct for law enforcement and private
security interactions with stakeholders involved in the FIFA World Cup 2034™, in line
with international standards
- We will conduct training sessions to law enforcement officials and private security
employees to ensure full understanding of process and code of conduct related to
interactions with stakeholders involved in the FIFA World Cup 2034™
- We will collaborate with relevant public and private security actors to ensure that
surveillance mechanisms are installed and activated across important competition
related infrastructure to ensure comprehensive safety, security and service
- We will collaborate with relevant public and private security actors to ensure that
surveillance protocols and the use of surveillance data collected for events respect
the privacy and human rights of attendees
The above efforts will contribute to addressing security-related challenges identified in the
independent assessment (E1, E2, E3, and E4).
It is worth mentioning that these efforts, will not only contribute to the prevention and
mitigation of security related risks during the preparation and hosting of the tournament,
but will also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations through positive and
sustainable changes.
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F. Additional considerations for human rights protection
Beyond the rights commonly raised as key risks in the context of mega sporting events, the
Kingdom has advanced on a range of human rights, driven by its Vision 2030 to achieve a
vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. Several programs under Vision
2030 are contributing to the protection of human rights in the Kingdom.
The Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030 focuses on improving access
to healthcare, modernizing facilities and equipment, and enhancing the role of private
sector investment, establishing a healthcare system that meets the needs of every member
of the society.
The Housing Program is making the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of
families across Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is committed to supporting access to affordable,
quality housing for all citizens, and is one of the few countries with a national housing
strategy program and a defined target of homeownership.
The Human Capability Development Program is our ambitious journey to empower citizens
and elevate their global competitiveness. The Program creates a pathway for individuals to
reach their full potential by implementing a dynamic strategy that encompasses every stage
of learning, from early childhood education to lifelong learning.
The Quality of Life Program enables culture, entertainment, sports and tourism to flourish in
Saudi Arabia, delivering enriched and better lives for all. The Program is empowering Saudi
Arabia’s transformation as a top destination to live, work and play.
In addition to our national programs, the Ministry of Economy and Planning is leading the
achievement of the Kingdom’s commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as
per its mandate.
As we work towards realizing our ambitious Vision 2030, geared towards aligning with all
relevant human rights considerations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we are
committed to enhancing our efforts. This includes leveraging the initiatives outlined in Vision
2030 to fortify human rights safeguards within the Kingdom during preparing and hosting
the tournament.
Specifically, we aim to make every effort to present a competition that adheres to our
commitments, particularly outlined in FIFA Hosting Requirements (Labor rights, Diversity and
Anti-Discrimination, Accessibility, Safeguarding, Security and Human Rights, and Press
Freedom), and we will therefore collaborate with the government to introduce additional
initiatives in this context:
- We will continue enhancing the public health infrastructure, developing a framework
that involves all relevant stakeholders to handle the influx of visitors ensuring
adequate healthcare services
- We will continue our efforts to prevent and prohibit forced evictions and
displacement of local communities for the development of FIFA World Cup 2034™-
related infrastructure and provide adequate compensation and relocation support to
affected residents and implement any required enhancements
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- We will further boost the preparedness and human rights awareness of our judiciary
and law enforcement authorities through offering training sessions and workshops
- We will develop educational programs and campaigns about human rights and the
importance of sportsmanship
- We will take necessary measures to prevent disruption of educational opportunities
for children and youth due to FIFA World Cup 2034™ activities (e.g., introducing
technologies to enhance learning opportunities)
- We will take measures to ensure transparency and access to information regarding
FIFA World Cup 2034™ preparations and impacts
- We will develop a framework to empower the civil society and advance its role and
engagement to positively contribute to the preparing and hosting of the competition
- We will verify that our policies and practices enable proper operation of local and
international media, and implement any required enhancements
- We will create and distribute guidance materials to educate the Saudi community
and other relevant audiences about the potential human rights impacts from
preparing and hosting the tournament and how to identify and address any human
rights issues that may arise
- We will develop and follow appropriate human rights due diligence processes to
ensure activities and decision-making associated with the preparation and hosting of
the FIFA World Cup 2034™ are undertaken with due respect for human rights,
consistent with FIFA requirements
These efforts will ensure that our strategy meets and exceeds our human rights
commitments. Notably, these initiatives will not only strengthen our reputation as a nation
ready to host the first 48-team competition but also create a lasting legacy, benefiting future
generations through positive and sustainable changes.
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IV. Grievance mechanism
Our goal is to create, with FIFA, mechanisms for all individuals who have been negatively
impacted by activities associated with the preparing and hosting of the FIFA World Cup
2034™. These mechanisms shall ensure that affected individuals are informed about their
options for lodging complaints and grievances, and they have confidence in the effectiveness
of these channels.
To guide our design, we relied on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights (UNGPs) which include a set of effectiveness criteria:
• Legitimate: The mechanism shall enable trust from stakeholder groups for whose
use they are intended and shall be accountable for the fair conduct of grievance
processes
• Accessible: The mechanism shall be known to all stakeholder groups for whose use
they are intended; and shall provide adequate assistance for those who may face
barriers to access
• Predictable: The mechanism shall provide a clear and known procedure with an
indicative time frame for each stage and clarity on the types of process and outcome
available and means of monitoring implementation
• Equitable: The mechanism shall seek to ensure that aggrieved parties have
reasonable access to sources of information, advice, and expertise necessary to
engage in a grievance process on fair, informed, and respectful terms.
• Transparent: The mechanism shall keep parties to a grievance informed about its
progress and provides sufficient information about its performance to build
confidence in its effectiveness and to meet any public interest at stake
• Right-compatible: The mechanism shall ensure that outcomes and remedies accord
with internationally recognized human rights
• An operational level mechanism: The mechanism shall be based on engagement
and dialogue when it consults the stakeholder groups for whose use it is intended on
its design and performance and focuses on dialogue as the means to address and
resolve grievances
• A continuous learning source: The mechanism shall be a source of continuous
learning when it draws on relevant measures to identify lessons, to improve the
mechanism and to prevent future grievances and harms
We will ensure the mechanism encompasses both the preparation and hosting phases,
building upon existing progress and mechanisms and enhancing them for the preparation
phase and developing a streamlined system to meet the hosting period's demands
efficiently.
Throughout the preparation phase, we will utilize and improve the existing mechanisms. In
the Kingdom, numerous pivotal laws and mechanisms are established to safeguard rights
and facilitate addressing grievances. These laws include:
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• Basic Law of Governance, which serves as a de facto constitution and outlines the
rights and duties of citizens, and emphasizes the Kingdom’s responsibility to protect
human rights
• Law of Criminal Procedures, which provides a framework for criminal justice,
ensuring certain rights for the accused, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to
legal representation, and the prohibition of arbitrary detention
• Law of Procedure Before Sharia Courts, which regulates judicial procedures for
lawsuits and pleadings in Sharia courts, aiming to organize justice, define the rights
and duties of the parties involved, and ensure the fair application of Sharia rulings
• Labor Law, which aims to protect the rights of workers, including provisions for fair
treatment, proper working conditions, and mechanisms to resolve labor disputes
• Protection from Abuse Law, which provides measures to protect individuals,
particularly women and children, from domestic abuse and establishes procedures
for reporting and dealing with cases of abuse
• Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is a primary legislative
framework for safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities
• Juveniles Law, which provides protection to juveniles who commit punishable acts
• Anti-Harassment Law, which aims to protect individuals, particularly women, from
harassment and abuse and provides mechanisms for reporting incidents
• Child Protection Law, which focuses on protecting children's rights, covering
provisions against child labor, abuse, and neglect
• Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law, which criminalizes human trafficking and provides
measures for the protection and support of victims
• Law of Eminent Domain and Temporary Taking of Property, which guarantees fair
compensation to property owners whose property is expropriated for public use and
ensures that the process follows strict regulations and legal recourse
In terms of Grievance Mechanisms, the Kingdom has various mechanisms and channels for
addressing grievances, including:
• The Board of Grievances, an administrative court system where individuals can file
complaints or seek redress for administrative decisions
• Labor courts, which handle disputes regarding employment contracts, wages,
workplace injuries, disciplinary actions, termination, and decisions made by the
General Organization for Social Insurance, covering both private and government
sectors
• Commercial courts, which handle primary and secondary disputes among merchants
including business activities and regulatory violations
• Criminal Courts, which handle cases involving theft, murder, assaults and other
crimes
• Human Rights Commission (HRC), which is tasked with protecting and promoting
human rights in the Kingdom. Human Rights Commission has in place a mechanism
for raising rights-related concerns and challenging alleged violations of human
rights.
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• Ma3an lil Rasd app at MHRSD, which enables workers to report labor law violations
in the private sector directly through the application
• The Unified Contact Centre at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social
Development (19911) handles customer complaints and suggestions in 9 different
languages, including those related to labor law violations.
• The domestic violence reporting service at MHRSD, which handles domestic violence
cases, ensuring victim protection, and providing necessary support.
• Kollona Amn app, which enables citizens, residents and visitors to report various
incidents and crimes directly through the application to the relevant authorities in
the Kingdom
• Unified Security Operations Center (911) which manages and coordinates
emergency responses across various regions, ensuring swift and appropriate actions
are taken
• National Society for Human Rights, which receives human rights abuses and
violations and provides potential solutions and recommendations
We will strengthen the capacity of all these laws and mechanisms to address human rights
issues via preventive measures as well as responsive measures to handle complaints during
the preparatory phase for the FIFA World Cup 2034™. This entails bridging gaps, establishing
necessary procedures, and ensuring its efficacy to handle issues and complaints specific to
the event's scale and complexity.
This overhauled grievance mechanisms will consider the following dimensions:
• Accessibility: Validating that the grievance mechanisms are easily accessible to all
individuals, through multiple channels such as online platforms, hotlines, and
physical offices, and implementing refinements where needed
• Clarity: Validating and enhancing the clarity of the mechanisms, including
procedures, timelines, and criteria for handling complaints, and communication with
the complainants
• Capacity Building: Training staff members involved in the grievance mechanisms on
key topics relevant to grievances in the context of hosting FIFA World Cup 2034
• Community Engagement: Fostering active engagement with local communities and
relevant organizations to raise awareness about the grievance mechanisms, build
trust, and encourage reporting of human rights violations
• Collaboration: Enhancing engagement and collaboration channels with relevant
stakeholders, including government agencies, FIFA, international organizations, and
NGOs, to strengthen the grievance mechanisms
• Adaptability: Ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in adapting the grievance
mechanisms to changing circumstances and emerging human rights challenges
throughout the preparation period
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation
procedures to assess the effectiveness of the grievance mechanisms, identify
shortcomings, and implement necessary improvements
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• Reporting and Data Analysis: Advancing data collection and reporting methods and
processes to provide timely and accurate information on competition-related
grievances and incidents (e.g., statistics, progress updates, etc.) to FIFA and relevant
stakeholders when needed
During the hosting phase, we will implement and further enhance the mechanisms to meet
the needs and complexity of the tournament. These enhancements will include:
• On-site Accessibility: Expanding the number of physical venues within host cities,
such as stadia and dedicated facilities like Fan Zones, to ensure greater access and
convenience for attendees during the FIFA World Cup 2034™
• Rapid Response Teams: Establishing specialized rapid response teams tasked with
promptly addressing urgent or high-priority grievances during the competition
staging. These teams will be trained to handle diverse issues ranging from security
concerns to human rights violations and be empowered to take immediate action
when necessary
• Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to streamline the grievance processes
and improve response times. This could involve implementing digital grievance
submission platforms, mobile apps for reporting incidents, and real-time monitoring
systems to identify and prevent potential issues and address arising complaints
effectively
• Joint-Response Protocols: defining clear procedures and responsibilities for various
stakeholders involved in handling complaints or incidents that arise during the event
to ensure rapid action and information sharing
• 24/7 Support: Ensuring that the grievance mechanisms operates 24/7 during the
competition staging, with round-the-clock support available for attendees to report
incidents or seek assistance. This includes providing emergency contact numbers and
establishing procedures for handling urgent grievances outside of regular business
hours.
In summary, our proposed grievance mechanisms represent a comprehensive and proactive
approach to addressing human rights concerns during the preparation and hosting phases of
the FIFA World Cup 2034™. By prioritizing accessibility, clarity, capacity building, community
engagement, collaboration, adaptability, and monitoring and evaluation, we are committed
to preventing potential human rights issues and ensuring that all individuals feel empowered
to report grievances, with their concerns addressed promptly and effectively. With these
enhancements in place, we are confident in our ability to uphold our commitments to
human rights and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees during this
historic event.
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V. Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder engagement is an essential part of the development journey of a strategy, and is
one of the key requirements of the FIFA hosting guidelines. Reflecting this requirement, we
engaged with various stakeholders at the national and international levels to assess and
validate human rights risks related to the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034™ and designed
relevant initiatives to prevent and mitigate those risks.
These engagements were conducted following the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement
Standard which focuses on defining the purpose and scope of the engagements and
identifying the relevant stakeholders. We will continue to adhere to this standard in our
future engagement with stakeholders.
Purpose of the engagement
Our purpose for engaging with stakeholders for the FIFA World Cup 2034™ was to develop
our human rights strategy. This included assessing and validating risks, identifying best
practices, refining processes to prevent and mitigate adverse human rights impacts, and
discussing effective grievance mechanisms. This engagement had broad support and was
empowered by our government through the creation of a dedicated human rights working
group comprising the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development (MHRSD), the Ministry of Sport (MoS), the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MoFA), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Ministry of
Economy and Planning (MEP), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Municipal and
Rural Affairs (MOMRAH), and the Ministry of Media, among others, which will be crucial to
the implementation of this strategy. We will also leverage the expertise, experience and
relationships from within this group and beyond to build trust-based relationships with key
partners, including the United Nations (UN), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the
Saudi National Committee of Workers Committee, and others.
Scope of the engagement
The scope of the engagement for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™ was defined by
addressing the relevant issues to the event's purpose, focusing on key human rights areas
such as labor rights, anti-discrimination, accessibility, security, and safeguarding. It addresses
operations within the Kingdom from preparation until execution of the FIFA World Cup
2034™. These engagements include both long-term strategic issues and current concerns,
ensuring a comprehensive approach to upholding human rights throughout the entire
process and beyond the competition.
Mapping and Identifying Stakeholders
In the development of our human rights strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2034™, we
conducted a comprehensive stakeholder analysis to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness. We
identified and mapped stakeholders by evaluating their expertise across the human rights,
with focus on the five rights topics that commonly arise in connection with preparing and
hosting such events: labor rights, diversity and anti-discrimination, accessibility,
safeguarding, and security. In addition to the working group mechanism, we engaged in one-
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on-one consultations with individuals active in their institutions at the national (e.g., Human
Rights Commission, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ministry of
Sports, etc.) and international levels (e.g., ILO). We also engaged international experts with
experience in developing and implementing human rights strategies for mega sporting
events. These engagements resulted in several positive outcomes, including identification
and validation of human rights risks in the Kingdom, recommendation of standards and best
practice to use, and proposition of potential initiatives to further promote and protect
human rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup 2034™.
Should we be granted the privilege of hosting the tournament, we will utilize our human
rights working group to develop an implementation plan and define a governance structure
that will oversee the execution of this strategy. This will also include developing a
comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement plan, in accordance with the AA1000
Stakeholder Engagement Standard. We commit to engaging with stakeholders across the
lifecycle of the tournament, and our engagement will include local communities, national
government entities, foreign partners, local and international organizations and associations,
and international sporting federations including FIFA Member Associations.
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VI. Conclusion
Our human rights strategy represents a firm commitment to promote and protect human
rights during the preparation and hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034™. This commitment is
underpinned by our dedication to allocate the necessary time, resources, and capabilities to
effectively implement this comprehensive strategy. To ensure our approach is robust and
inclusive, we will engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local
communities, national government entities and foreign partners. This engagement will not
only enrich our strategy with diverse perspectives but also guarantee alignment and
cohesion throughout its execution.
We recognize the importance of adaptability in our strategy, committing to regular reviews
and updates to respond effectively to new challenges and changes, especially as we are
bidding for a tournament that is a decade away. This dynamic approach ensures our strategy
remains effective and relevant, safeguarding the rights of all involved and setting a
precedent for future global events.
Furthermore, as we progress towards Vision 2030, the ten years leading up to the World
Cup, should our bid be awarded with the hosting rights, provides a unique opportunity to
align and collaborate during our efforts. By leveraging the goals and resources of Vision
2030, we aim to setting the stage for a World Cup that celebrates sport and to achieve a
lasting legacy of human rights advancements that ensures robust protection of human rights
in our society.
As we continue on our journey, we will take advantage of upcoming major sporting,
entertainment, and cultural events, such as the Asian Cup 2027, the WTA finals from 2024 to
2026, the Asian Winter Olympics 2029 and the Expo 2030, to gather and implement valuable
lessons learned. These events, along with insights from the mega-projects currently under
construction, will provide practical learnings and proven strategies that will enhance our
preparation and refine our approach, ensuring that our World Cup hosting efforts are
informed by the best practices and experiences from these significant endeavors.
We sincerely hope to be the first sole bidder to be awarded the privilege and honor of
hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034™in its new expanded version, and we commit to working
with FIFA and our national and international partners to help grow the game of football
together, and in doing so set a new high standard when it comes to hosting the World Cup
and mega sporting events.
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