Protesters Rally Outside Guadalajara Stadium During Mexico vs South Korea World Cup Match

Protesters gathered outside Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday while Mexico defeated South Korea inside. m. in Plaza de la Liberación and focused on Hyundai-Kia’s role as an official World Cup sponsor and its relationship with iron-ore supplier Ternium.

Participants carried signs bearing the names and photographs of environmental activists Ricardo Lagunes Gasca and Antonio Díaz Valencia, who disappeared three years ago in Mexico. Organizers said the two men had protested Ternium’s mining operations. More than 130,000 people have disappeared in Mexico in the past 20 years, according to the National Registry of Missing and Unlocated Persons.

Hyundai is one of Ternium’s main buyers of iron ore for steel production. Protesters accused the companies of human rights and environmental abuses in Mexico, Brazil, the United States and other countries. ” She added that the company’s slogan of “doing the right thing for humanity” loses credibility by partnering with suppliers such as Ternium.

The coalition plans additional protests during the tournament. Michael Stewart, Hyundai’s director of communications, stated that the company requires suppliers to meet the highest standards and enforces a strict Supplier Code of Conduct. He said Hyundai and its subsidiaries conduct ongoing training, audits and due diligence throughout the supply chain.

Ternium did not respond to the protesters’ allegations. Public Citizen and Jobs to Move America separately demanded transparency from Hyundai about data collected by robots at World Cup stadiums. Hyundai said it is focusing on its “Next Starts Now” campaign, using mobility, robotics, technology and engagement programs to connect people with the event.

The Fair Steel Coalition announced a symbolic soccer match and concert in Monterrey’s Fundidora Park on July 5 and protests in Los Angeles on July 9 ahead of a quarterfinal match.