The world soccer governing body, FIFA, has "yet to fully deliver on its commitments to conduct effective monitoring of labor conditions" ahead of the two Russian-hosted tournaments, it also says.
In April, the Russian parliament adopted amendments to the country's legislation, easing the process of football fans to enter Russia from other countries during the Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup.
At least 17 workers have died on World Cup stadium sites, according to the Building and Wood Workers' International global union.
"There was simply a lot of smoke, which made it look really bad, but no major damage", a source in the local World Cup organising committee told Reuters. "They should know better by this time". One year later, Moscow will host the World Cup, the world's premier football tournament.
"To date, a total of 58 inspections have been carried out". But the author of the Human Rights Watch report, Jane Buchanan, said the scheme had left a lot to be desired. "We're just expected to take their word for it". "Transparency is key to any serious human rights protection". Some were not paid at all, received partial pay or had to wait months to receive their wages. They also worked in temperatures as cold as -25C (-13F) without sufficient protection and employers' failed to provide suitable work contracts.
Human Rights Watch claims workers have feared speaking about the conditions.
Human Rights Watch visited seven World Cup stadium sites in 2016 and 2017 and interviewed 42 Russian and migrant workers.
Fed hikes key rate, unveils bond trimming plans
At 4.3 per cent in May, the unemployment rate is below the level that policy makers reckon is sustainable in the long-run. The consumer-price index last month was up 1.9% on an annualized base, dipping below the Fed's 2% target again.
The group said it "consistently encountered an atmosphere of intimidation, suspicion, and secrecy when trying to document conditions for workers on World Cup sites".
Human Rights Watch called on the Russian government to enact tougher and more frequent investigations of suspect employers and bring prosecutions against violators. It has since halted its research out of security concerns. Global media have published credible reports about North Korean workers employed on the World Cup Stadium in St. Petersburg in 2016 working long hours with few days off and compelled to send wages to the North Korean government.
According to recent news accounts published in Josimar, a Norwegian soccer magazine, and the Guardian of London, North Korean workers endured conditions likened to forced labor by some human rights activists extended hours, little time off or pay and brutal living conditions.
"As the Official Payment Service Partner of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, we are thrilled to bring fans some of the most innovative payment experiences from around the world, enabling them to go cashless at the tournament", said Ekaterina Petelina, country manager, Visa Russia.
In response, Federation Internationale de Football Association said it does not recognise some of the claims being made by Human Rights Watch.
"It does not bode well for Qatar", Buchanan said.
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