1 | Introduction 1.2 The changing risk landscape and COVID-19 1.3 Mega sporting events and human rights This Human Rights Risk Assessment provides an overview of the current and reasonably foreseeable human rights context in relation to the tournament. Importantly, and in line with the concept of human rights due diligence drawn from the UNGPs, the risk landscape will need to be continually monitored and reviewed in the lead up to the tournament. Risks can evolve and change, and issues which were considered unlikely or less likely to occur may become more significant due to changes in the local or international context. Accordingly, FIFA and the tournament organisers will need to continue to actively consider whether there are any new or emerging human rights issues that should be taken into consideration, and whether existing risks have become more severe. Mega Sporting events (MSEs) hold much promise for the host cities, countries and communities that deliver them. Expectations can range from job creation, income generation, urban renewal and the development of social infrastructure, to the promotion of healthy living and increased participation in sports. Sport can also play an important role in furthering the promotion and protection of human rights by fostering positive change. At the time that this Human Rights Risk Assessment was conducted, large parts of both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand were subject to city and/ or state-wide lockdown restrictions, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the international borders of both countries were closed to international travellers. By the time of the FWWC2023, it is likely that such significant restrictions on the freedom of movement both into and within the borders of both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, will no longer be in place. The use of ‘vaccine passports’ or certificates, face covering mandates or other measures, such as restriction of movement for local sites, may continue to be part of future public health responses. If so, the use of these measures should be consistent with human rights – including that they are reasonable, necessary, and proportionate. Additionally, any such measures must consider the potential for discrimination, provide for transparency in decision-making and include frequent review periods. Depending on the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the future, there may be ongoing risks relating to increased pressures on health systems. This risk will need to be assessed in more depth, closer to the time of the tournament. 10 Despite the powerful role that sport can play in driving such cultural change, MSEs also carry inherent human rights risks, which have come under increased scrutiny in recent years.16 Significant human rights challenges may arise across the entire MSE lifecycle and can include risks of exploitation of migrant labour involved in developing the infrastructure, forced evictions or clearing of homeless people from public spaces, child labour in the production of the merchandise, discrimination on the field – and more.17 Host countries of MSEs need to demonstrate that human rights have been considered at all stages of a tournament, from the bidding process, through to the planning, delivery, and legacy of the event to ensure risks to people are addressed. To do this effectively the international sporting body (e.g., FIFA), its local entities established in the host country and the host government/s should be involved. Additionally, there is a growing expectation that the UNGPs apply to international sporting organisations.18 The UNGPs are the authoritative global standard for states and businesses on preventing and addressing adverse business-related human rights risks and abuses. June 2021 marked 10 years since the UNGPs were unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are now widely respected, promoted and used as the basis for corporate and government responses to human rights challenges arising in relation to business.