KAZAKHSTAN: candidate 2026 World Cup Football

Kazakhstan is candidate for hosting the World Cup Football in 2026. The human rights record of the country is poor. Beautiful words cover up bad practices: Kazakhstan “will not rest until torture is completely eliminated”, the government announced. But torture is still taking place. The freedom of expression, association and assembly are restricted. Peaceful protesters are arrested, independent organizations are obstructed in their work, newspapers are forbidden, and social media are blocked. A law that bans propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations – read: homosexuality – is ready to be signed by the President.

When the host for the World Cup will be chosen is yet unknown.

Read more about human rights in Kazakhstan >

Related news

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Letter to FIFA Re. Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup

Human Rights Watch Letter to FIFA May 5, 2025 Gianni InfantinoPresidentFédération Internationale de Football AssociationFIFA-Strasse 20, P.O. Box 8044 Zurich, Switzerland Subject: FIFA’s Human Rights Responsibilities in 2026 World Cup Dear Mr. Infantino, We write to express grave concerns about the impact of current United States immigration policies on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and […]

READ MORE

Episode 3: “Sometimes We Can’t See”

Episode 3: “Sometimes We Can’t See”

Understanding the data on abuse in sports Watch the third and final episode of our research series on violence in sports: “Sometimes We Can’t See.” In this video, we explore why violence is often normalized in sport – and why it’s so hard for athletes, coaches and others to recognise when they see it, when […]

READ MORE

Job Opening: Social Media & Communications Assistant

Job Opening: Social Media & Communications Assistant

­ Job Description: Social Media & Communications Assistant Start date:       July 2025 Location:         Remote Reporting to:   Communications Coordinator Hours:             15 hours/week Application Deadline: 30 June 2025 Summary The Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) is seeking a social media and communications assistant to help manage and create content for the SRA external […]

READ MORE

Related resources

Episode 3: “Sometimes We Can’t See”

Episode 3: “Sometimes We Can’t See”

Understanding the data on abuse in sports Watch the third and final episode of our research series on violence in sports: “Sometimes We Can’t See.” In this video, we explore why violence is often normalized in sport – and why it’s so hard for athletes, coaches and others to recognise when they see it, when […]

READ MORE

Aerial shot of four crew rowers on teal water with Title: Behind the Statistics with blue highlight and eyebrow header above

Episode 2: “Behind the Statistics”

Understanding the data on abuse in sports Watch the second episode of our three-part series exploring scientific data on violence in sports: “Behind the Statistics.” In this video, we dive into prevalence studies and associated factors that put some groups of athletes at higher risk. Led by Dr Aurelie Pankowiak, postdoctoral researcher at the Institute […]

READ MORE

Submission to UN Human Rights Report on a World of Sport Free Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Submission to UN Human Rights Report on a World of Sport Free Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

Countering Hate and Discrimination Against All People Impacted in Sport The world of sport is often perceived as a place in which none of the burdens and inequalities of society take place or could possibly exist. Embedded by ideals of excellence, respect and friendship, its philosophy often misleads people to discount the importance of critical […]

READ MORE

Join the Network

Sport has the potential to be a catalyst for human development, unity, and freedom, but too often it instead brings harm to its athletes, fans, and communities. We exist to uncover and rectify the many abuses that exist both in and around sport. We aim to transform sports into an authentic force for good.