Sir, – Kathy Sheridan writes about how many of us will soon be faced with a difficult choice about World Cup 2022, “to watch or not to watch” (Opinion & Analysis, November 16th). This is not the only area of our lives in which we face difficult decisions regarding human rights. We could just as easily ask “to wear or not to wear” about fast fashion, or to “drink or not to drink” about unsustainably sourced coffee. These are not choices that we should have to make. It is up to organisations and companies to make sure that human rights abuses are not part of their supply chains. This is the focus of the EU’s upcoming due diligence directive, which would ensure that big companies behave responsibly with respect to human rights and the environment. For the first time, the EU will consider the negative external impacts of its patterns of production and consumption.
Until this becomes reality, however, we will continue to have to make difficult choices. While I will not be watching this World Cup – the Qatar tournament was built on the kinds of human rights abuses that I have spent much of my time in the European Parliament trying to tackle – I would not judge anybody who decides to tune in and enjoy the game they love. In the same way that some carbon consumption is unavoidable but can be offset, perhaps those watching the World Cup could offset their viewing by donating to some of the great human rights defenders across the globe. – Yours, etc,
BARRY ANDREWS, MEP
European Parliament,
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Sir, – It was interesting to read “Qatar bans the sale of alcohol at World Cup stadiums just 48 hours before opening game” (News, November 18th).
I would have thought that would mean less people getting up during the game to go to the toilet, never mind people arriving back late to their seats after half time, thereby annoying those who are there for the ball not the beer. For some spectators, at least, this must count as an early World Cup win! – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN O’HARA,
Carrowmore,
Sligo.