Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters on Wednesday that failure to address these issues risks casting a shadow over the tournament, which begins Thursday in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Sports mega events are intended to be events where the world comes together in unity and peace“, said.
The tournament must be ‘dignified and safe’
“The tradition (in ancient Greece) was that this should also lead to all kinds of truces. It is clear that the World Cup must provide a dignified and safe environment for the competing teams, but also for the fans, for the whole society and, frankly, for the world.”
Among reported incidents related to entry into the United States, Iran’s national team moved its training camp from Arizona to Mexico, and some Iranian officials were denied visas.
A Fifa-accredited Somali referee was denied entry and turned back amid “vetting concerns”, and footage has circulated showing a Senegalese player being frisked by security staff on the tarmac at a US airport.
Fans have also been affected. Supporters from countries such as Morocco and Scotland have reported having travel documents denied or revoked shortly before departure, despite making costly travel arrangements.
Broader concerns
Türk warned that these examples highlight broader concerns about the implementation of immigration control measures. He called for policies that respect human rights and dignity, particularly during a global event aimed at bringing people together..
The High Commissioner stressed that major sporting events must provide a safe and inclusive environment for players, fans and officials alike. He described the World Cup as an opportunity to promote unity, noting that the global nature of the competition places a responsibility on host countries to respect international standards.
End dehumanization
The concerns come amid broader scrutiny of human rights issues related to major sporting events and the responsibilities of host nations.
“I also hope that there will be an end to the dehumanization of the other, the dehumanization of immigrants, the dehumanization of refugees and asylum seekers.”Mr. Türk continued.
“No one benefits from divisive and polarizing narratives.”