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US rights groups urge caution for World Cup visitors
TL;DR
Rights groups have issued a travel advisory for World Cup visitors to the US, urging caution due to concerns over the Trump administration's immigration policies. Over 120 organizations highlight risks, especially for minority groups, and criticize FIFA's leadership for its ties to Trump.
Key points
- Rights groups urge caution for World Cup visitors to the US
- Travel advisory issued by over 120 organizations
- Concerns over Trump's immigration policies and rising authoritarianism
- Minority groups are particularly vulnerable
- FIFA criticized for ties to US President Trump
Rights groups have urged fans, players, journalists, and other visitors to this summer's World Cup to "exercise caution" if travelling to the United States.
More than 120 organisations have collectively issued a 'travel advisory' driven by what they say is "the Trump administration's violent and abusive immigration crackdown".
"The Trump administration's rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risks to all," the message states.
It adds minority groups in particular are "vulnerable to serious harm", and is critical of Gianni Infantino, president of football's world governing body Fifa, for his close ties to US President Donald Trump.
The coalition, which includes the American Civil Liberties Union, has called on Fifa to put pressure on US authorities "to respect the fundamental human rights of every person visiting and attending the games".
US officials have not yet commented on the groups' travel advisory, but Fifa says it is "committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights".
Fifa said it has a "commitment to human rights across all key activities and actors connected to the tournament", citing several documents and advisory groups it has set up to address human rights issues.
The rights groups warn travellers about what they say is the potential for denial of entry to the country and risk of arrest, travel restrictions on citizens from dozens of countries, social media screening, racial profiling, and increased surveillance.
There are travel bans on nationals from four of the countries taking part in the tournament: Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
The groups say travellers should take steps including removing sensitive information from phones and keeping friends and family updated about their plans when travelling.
The United States is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with 78 of the 104 scheduled matches at the tournament taking place in the US.
The signatories are critical of Fifa, accusing it of failing to issue "concrete guarantees" on safety for travellers "while its president, Gianni Infantino, has aligned himself closer to the Trump administration".
In December, Infantino awarded President Trump with Fifa's inaugural Peace Prize.
An immigration crackdown has been a key focus of the Trump administration, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) having its scope and budget significantly expanded.
ICE has faced criticism for its methods - especially following the fatal shooting of two US citizens who were protesting against the immigration crackdown.
US officials have said ICE agents will be part of World Cup security. Earlier this year, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) told BBC Sport it was "extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US".
Last month, a report from human rights campaign group Amnesty said the World Cup risked becoming "a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices".
In response to that, the White House's World Cup Task Force said that the tournament will be "the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history" and that it was working to deliver an event "that highlights America's hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence".
It promised that fans "can look forward to a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament".
Q&A
What is the travel advisory issued by rights groups for World Cup visitors to the US?
More than 120 rights organizations have urged World Cup visitors to exercise caution due to concerns over the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Why are minority groups considered vulnerable during the World Cup in the US?
The advisory states that minority groups are at risk of serious harm due to the rising authoritarianism and violence associated with the Trump administration.
What actions have rights groups called for from FIFA regarding US immigration policies?
Rights groups have called on FIFA to pressure US authorities to respect the fundamental human rights of visitors attending the World Cup.