World Cup: Harjit Sajjan speaks on human rights in Qatar

Ottawa –

International Development Minister Harjit Sajan has tweeted about raising human rights concerns during his visit to Qatar for the World Cup, following criticism from the opposition.

The NDP and the Bloc on Thursday accused Sajjan of failing to make a public statement about documented abuses of Qatari migrant workers and the emirate’s anti-LGBTQ policies.

Both parties had called on the Liberal Party to boycott the game diplomatically instead of sending sajans.

When asked if he had raised these issues while traveling on Thursday, Sajjan’s office replied that he was on his way home and could not comment.

Hours after The Canadian Press reported criticism of Sajan’s visit, he tweeted that he met with local labor groups and had “constructive dialogue” with Qatari officials about immigration and LGBTQ rights.

The tweets were not directly critical of the emirate’s policies.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 25, 2022.