Protesters in Guadalajara Challenge Hyundai-Kia's World Cup Sponsorship: Calls for Accountability and Environmental Justice
Mexico celebrated a victory over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium, but outside the stadium, protesters voiced concerns about the World Cup's impact on the city. Demonstrators accused Hyundai-Kia, a World Cup sponsor, of greenwashing through sports and called for accountability for its supplier, Ternium. The protest highlighted alleged human rights violations and the disappearance of environmental activists linked to Ternium's activities.
The rally, which began at Plaza de la Liberación, aimed to shed light on missing persons cases in Guadalajara, particularly those related to protests against Ternium's iron ore mining. Activists criticized Hyundai's involvement in what they called a "dirty steel supply chain" and urged the company to address environmental and governance issues. The disappearance of activists Ricardo Lagunes Gasca and Antonio Díaz Valencia in Mexico three years ago further fueled the protesters' demands for action.
Hyundai responded to the allegations by emphasizing its commitment to high standards for suppliers and strict codes of conduct. The company stated that it conducts ongoing training, audits, and due diligence processes to address potential issues in its global operations. Protesters carried signs bearing the names and photos of missing environmentalists, highlighting the broader issue of disappearances in Mexico over the past two decades.
The Fair Steel Coalition, one of the protest organizers, criticized Hyundai's sponsorship of the World Cup as an attempt to improve its image while being linked to human rights and environmental abuses. The group plans to continue protests throughout the World Cup, including a symbolic soccer match and concert in Monterrey to protest Ternium's environmental impact. Allegations of human rights violations in Hyundai's supply chain, including child labor and labor trafficking, will also be addressed in upcoming protests.
Protesters raised concerns about Hyundai's use of robots at World Cup venues and the tournament's impact on local workers, citing labor exploitation and rising housing costs in host cities. Calls for transparency regarding data collection by the robots were directed at Hyundai, which emphasized its "Next Starts Now" campaign focused on connecting people with the excitement of the event through mobility, robotics, technology, and engagement programs.
In conclusion, the protests in Guadalajara highlighted the complex issues surrounding the World Cup's impact on local communities and the responsibilities of corporate sponsors like Hyundai-Kia. The ongoing demonstrations seek to hold companies accountable for their supply chains and environmental practices, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical standards in global sporting events.