By: Dion Dassanayake
The death toll, which has been cross checked with death certificates and passports, could rise as more cases are brought to light.
The figures were revealed to The Guardian by the Pravasi Nepali Co-ordination Committee (PNCC).
They said: “Fifa and the government of Qatar promised the world that they would take action to ensure the safety of workers building the stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup.
“This horrendous roll call of the dead gives the lie to those reassurances.
“These were young or otherwise able-bodied men, with their futures in front of them, families at home and everything to live for.
“Many have been literally worked to death. Some have met with even more sinister ends. All have been betrayed by Fifa.”
A study from the humanitarian organisation claimed Qatar’s construction sector is rife with abuse and some projects seriously exploit people.
Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, said: “It is simply inexcusable in one of the richest countries in the world, that so many migrant workers are being ruthlessly exploited, deprived of their pay and left struggling to survive.
“Construction companies and the Qatari authorities alike are failing migrant workers.
“Employers in Qatar have displayed an appalling disregard for the basic human rights of migrant workers.
“Many are taking advantage of a permissive environment and lax enforcement of labour protections to exploit construction workers.”
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