The head of the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, emphasized the agency’s positive relations with Saudi Arabia during an ongoing investigation into alleged labor rights abuses related to the upcoming 2034 World Cup. Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, Houngbo stated that the ILO intends to send more expert staff to Riyadh as part of its efforts to address concerns surrounding the treatment of migrant workers within the kingdom’s “kafala” employment system.
Houngbo described the bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia as “very constructive,” particularly in light of a formal complaint filed by an international trade union last year. This complaint, which has been confirmed as active, alleges mistreatment of migrant workers who are essential to the kingdom’s extensive construction projects. As FIFA prepares for the 2034 edition of its prestigious tournament in Saudi Arabia, rights organizations like Human Rights Watch have urged the governing body to enforce binding commitments to protect these workers, who primarily hail from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Yemen.
During the briefing, Houngbo also echoed concerns raised by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden regarding the increasing influence of a “tech-industrial complex.” While he refrained from naming specific individuals or countries, he underscored the importance of addressing the implications of concentrated power in the global economy. Additionally, the ILO’s annual analysis of global employment trends revealed that the global unemployment rate remains steady at 5%, though youth unemployment has risen to 12.6%. The report further highlighted a significant jobs gap, with 402 million people worldwide seeking employment but unable to find it, and a troubling increase in the informal economy, which now comprises 2.2 billion individuals lacking adequate social protections.
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