The Welsh government has been particularly critical of the human rights situation in the emirate before and during the World Cup
The Welsh Government has been particularly critical of the human rights situation (of women, LGBTI+ and migrants) in Qatar before and during the FIFA World Cup.
That’s why today’s revelation that Welsh Prime Minister Mark Dreyford was lavishly hosted by Qatar in a five-star hotel during the World Cup has caused a political uproar in the British countryside.
A request made to the government – under the current Freedom of Information (FOI) – has revealed that the Qatari government paid for the Welsh Premier, Finance Minister Vaughan Gething and four officials to stay at its Ritz-Carlton hotel for three days. Doha.
The FOI, which was filed by BBC Wales, showed that Qatar paid for the people’s hotel, meals and transport as part of a hospitality package offered to all delegates and their entourage attending the World Cup.
However, Drakeford said they made the decision to attend the event and promote Wales and its values ​​on the world stage as well as expand its economic links with the Gulf state.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds told BBC Wales that “by accepting this gift from the Qatari government Mark Drakeford has potentially undermined the Welsh Government’s commitment to respecting human rights, the rights of the LGBTI+ community and women’s rights”.
In fact, she suggested that the government donate the amount the trip cost to human rights organizations.
The Welsh Government’s response was: “This was an opportunity to discuss trade and investment opportunities, to meet with members of the Qatari Government and the International Labor Organization to discuss workers’ rights and to participate in cultural meetings to strengthen ties between Qatar and Wales. The decision was yet another opportunity to share our values ​​of human rights, LGBTI+ rights, workers’ rights, and political and religious freedom.”
The FOI response, according to the Welsh Government, was: “A total of eight officials and two ministers traveled to Qatar for the World Cup”
“Accommodation for two ministers and their entourage — four officials — was provided by the Qatari government at no cost. A hospitality package was offered by the Qatari government to the heads of each country that qualified for the World Cup, but the Welsh Government has not information on the value of this package. The remaining four officials traveled in economy class. The total cost of the four return flights was €4,294. The total cost of accommodation in Doha for 4 officials traveling in economy class was €23,102 and the hotel was four stars”.
In a later response to the request the government said the hotel was the Ritz-Carlton Doha and that the prime minister, finance minister and four officials stayed there for three nights.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
