Human Rights Watch warns of exclusion, fear at World Cup

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a stark warning that the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with a significant portion of matches hosted in the United States, could be overshadowed by "exclusion and fear." The organization points to a concerning trend of crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations, and press freedom, suggesting the tournament might become a platform for "abusive policies targeting immigrants and visitors."

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This summer’s World Cup risks being defined by “exclusion and fear” due to crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations and press freedom in the United States.

The briefing document specifically calls out what it describes as "increasing authoritarianism and backsliding on human rights in the United States." HRW attributes this to President Donald Trump's return to power, citing heightened threats to press freedom, the rights of peaceful protesters, and overall community safety. This perspective from a prominent international NGO casts a shadow over the celebratory atmosphere typically associated with the World Cup.

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The tournament is in danger of becoming “a platform for abusive policies targeting immigrants and visitors, showcasing racism, exclusion, fear, and discrimination”.

From a local perspective in Nigeria, where this article is published by The Punch, the concerns raised by HRW resonate with existing anxieties about xenophobia and the treatment of migrants in various parts of the world. The report highlights that citizens from countries like Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast could be particularly affected, potentially being unable to attend the games due to US travel bans. This raises questions about fairness and inclusivity in global sporting events, especially when geopolitical tensions and nationalistic policies intersect with international gatherings.

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HRW warned against what it described as “increasing authoritarianism and backsliding on human rights in the United States”.