Protesters Confront Hyundai Over Alleged Human Rights Violations During World Cup in Guadalajara
Over 130,000 people have disappeared in Mexico over the past two decades, according to the National Registry of Missing and Unlocated Persons, prompting activists to protest outside a World Cup match in Guadalajara on Thursday. Demonstrators accused Hyundai-Kia, a World Cup sponsor, of complicity in human rights abuses linked to its supplier Ternium, which faces allegations of environmental harm and ties to the disappearance of two environmental activists.
What triggered the protests in Guadalajara?
Protesters gathered at Plaza de la Liberación in Guadalajara ahead of Mexico’s World Cup match against South Korea, demanding accountability for Ternium, a steel producer supplying Hyundai. The group highlighted the 2021 disappearance of Ricardo Lagunes Gasca, a human rights lawyer, and Antonio Díaz Valencia, a Nahua community leader, both linked to anti-mining activism. Their cases are among over 130,000 missing persons in Mexico, many connected to drug cartels, corruption, or factory labor disputes, per the National Registry.
How has Hyundai responded to the allegations?
Hyundai reiterated its commitment to supplier accountability, stating, “We enforce a strict Supplier Code of Conduct and conduct ongoing audits to address potential issues.” The automaker’s director of communications, Michael Stewart, emphasized its “Next Starts Now” campaign, focusing on robotics and technology at World Cup venues. However, activists criticized the company for “greenwashing,” pointing to a 2023 report by Mighty Earth that labeled Hyundai’s steel supply chain as “dirty” due to Ternium’s environmental and labor practices.
What are the broader implications of the protests?
The Fair Steel Coalition, one of the protest organizers, accused Ternium of “destructive environmental impact” and human rights violations across Mexico, Brazil, and the U.S. The group plans additional demonstrations, including a symbolic soccer match in Monterrey on July 5 and a Los Angeles protest on July 9 targeting alleged labor abuses in Hyundai’s supply chain. Critics also raised concerns about Hyundai’s use of robots at World Cup venues, with Public Citizen demanding transparency on data collection practices.
Why do these protests matter globally?
The standoff reflects growing scrutiny of corporate ties to human rights and environmental violations, particularly in sports sponsorships. Ternium, a major steel producer, has faced repeated criticism for its mining activities, which activists say exacerbate air pollution and displacement. The protests align with broader movements demanding corporate accountability, such as the 2022 UN report linking supply chains to labor exploitation. As the World Cup progresses, the pressure on sponsors like Hyundai to address these issues is likely to intensify.
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