Human rights group urges boycott of Qatar Airways

BOSTON – A human rights group is hoping to persuade travellers from Boston and other cities to avoid flying on Qatar (GUH’-tur) Airways when going to the Middle East.

The Washington-based Alliance for Workers Against Repression Everywhere is stepping up its push for a boycott because of what it alleges are human rights violations by the state of Qatar and the airline, which it owns. The move comes as international attention focuses on Qatar leading up to its hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

The group cites reports of poor working conditions for migrant workers who are building stadiums, roads, hotels and other infrastructure for the international soccer tournament. It also alleges the airline has a record of discriminating against women and keeps tight control over its employees.

An airline executive calls the allegations “patently false.”