Architect of al-Wakrah stadium says construction worker deaths is a serious problem but is a matter for the Qatari government

A computer generated image of al-Wakrah stadium designed by the architect Zaha Hadid for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Zaha Hadid,the architect of Qatar's most distinguishable stadium for the 2022 World Cup, on Tuesday defended her involvement in the project following the shocking number of migrant-worker deaths in the Gulf state.

The Guardian revealed last week that more than 500 Indian migrant workers have died in Qatar since January 2012, adding to the 382 Nepalese deaths there in the past two years during construction work connected to the World Cup. After coming under severe pressure from human rights groups across the world, the Qatar 2022 organising committee recently implemented a new charter relating to construction on its stadiums and the ministry of labour highlighted an expanded inspection programme.

Hadid, a prominent London-based Iraqi architect who has designed the Al-Wakrah stadium in Qatar, said the migrant deaths were a serious problem but it was a matter for the Qatari government.

Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA

"I have nothing to do with the workers," said Hadid. "I think that's an issue the government – if there's a problem – should pick up. Hopefully, these things will be resolved."

Asked if she was concerned, Hadid added: "Yes, but I'm more concerned about the deaths in Iraq as well, so what do I do about that? I'm not taking it lightly but I think it's for the government to look to take care of. It's not my duty as an architect to look at it.

"I cannot do anything about it because I have no power to do anything about it. I think it's a problem anywhere in the world. But, as I said, I think there are discrepancies all over the world."

Hadid, left, was speaking on Tuesday at the London Aquatics Centre. The Al-Wakrah stadium is one of five grounds to be used in the World Cup. Hadid based the project on the fishing and seafaring heritage of the city.

The stadium has been criticised for bearing resemblance to female genitalia.

> via The Guardian