UAE: Migrant construction workers at COP28 site tell of illness, collapse & illegal outdoor working in extreme heat, finds NGO FairSquare
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I think I will one day collapse. I did once pass out while working on the site in 2021 – before Expo began – but just once. This time, so far I have not passed out and the weather is going to get better soon so hopefully it will be all good going forward. Otherwise, I just try to take quick water breaks when I can. There is also A/C [air conditioning] inside so I just go inside from time to time to feel better.Migrant construction worker at COP28 venue Expo City
Human rights research group FairSquare has released a report alleging migrant construction workers on Dubai's COP28 site were put to work outdoors in extreme heat over two days in September 2023, in violation of the United Arab Emirates' laws to protect against heat exposure and stress. Workers told investigators that they and colleagues had suffered symptoms including headaches, dizziness and collapse at work. FairSquare highlights how chronic exposure to such conditions can result in cumulative stress on the body leading to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney damage and disease.
If the UAE COP28 team claim they want to protect people’s health from climate change, they have to start close to home, where migrant workers have been preparing the Expo City site in temperatures that tourists faint in. This poses a severe risk to these workers’ health and even their lives.James Lynch, FairSquare
A representative for COP28 told FairSquare it was “not aware of any breaches of Summer Working Hours on the site of this year’s Conference” and that both Expo City and COP28 had "robust worker welfare policies and procedures". FairSquare is calling for an official investigation into the allegations.
I have to say about this ban. It is equally hot when it is 11am as it is at 12.30pm or at 4pm as it is at 3pm when it is hot. The ban does little anyway throughout the daytime in the summer.Migrant construction worker at COP28 site
The Cop president wants to talk about climate change and health at Cop28? This report is a perfect place to start. It shows the climate crisis will be particularly dangerous and deadly when laws aren’t upheld and rights aren’t respected.Richard Pearshouse, director of the environment division at Human Rights Watch