U.S. adults on Qatar's human rights record 2022

A poll conducted in November 2022 found that 42 percent of Americans feel that the human rights record of Qatar is no better nor worse than any other country's human rights record. The World Cup host has come under fire in recent months after widespread reports of human rights abuses and migrant worker deaths in the lead up to the competition.

World Cup in Qatar

In what has been seen as a controversial move by many, the 2022 World Cup is being hosted in Qatar. The World Cup championship arrived in Qatar amid widespread allegations of corruption throughout the selection process. To compound matters, the months leading up to the Cup saw numerous reports of human rights abuses relating to the migrant workers in Qatar building the tournaments infrastructure. A global poll conducted in 2021 found that 66.7 percent of people think the Cup should be boycotted due to the treatment of migrant workers. Additionally, the country has faced criticism for its treatment of the LGBT+ community, and its lack of environmental consciousness in World Cup related construction. Despite these concerns, Americans are still tuning in to watch the tournament.

Qatar/U.S. relations

Qatar is designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for 50 years, and coordinate on Middle Eastern security matters, trade, and human rights. Qatar remains one of the United States’ closest military partners in the region, with Qatar hosting the United States' largest military base in the Middle East southwest of Doha. Additionally, the U.S. is Qatar's fifth most important partner for imported goods, exceeding three billion dollars in 2021.