Calls for Russia World Cup boycott as Syrian conflict enters 8th year
Posted March 18, 2018 5:25 pm.
Last Updated March 19, 2018 7:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Human rights groups around the world are calling for world leaders to threaten a boycott of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia to protest the country’s support for Syria’s regime.
Rahim Othman with the Syrian Canadian Council of BC says the group supports any and every action that would help ease the conflict in Syria.
“Everybody is tired, especially the people who are impacted and I can tell you that pretty much every Syrian has been impacted one way or another.”
The appeals for a boycott are timely–the Syrian conflict recently entered it’s 8th year.
“It’s very unfortunate that 7 years down the road things are, at best, the same as they used to be years ago, or for the last few years,” says Othman.
“I will personally boycott it by pretty much not praising [the games], by taking the opportunity to talk about Russia’s shameful support and use of veto power.”
Since the start of the Syrian conflict, Russia has vetoed several United Nations resolutions aimed at improving the situation.
