Documents obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act detail transactions that experts say raise human rights concerns due to Saudi Arabia's military intervention in Yemen's civil war. The documents showed that in May 2016, MFAT approved a permit for military simulation training equipment to be sent to Saudi ground forces. However, by the time the export permits were first granted in 2016, there was already an abundance of concern over Saudi Arabia's involvement in Yemen. A 2015 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned Saudi Arabia of its human rights obligations after nearly 1000 civilians were killed within a four-month period by Saudi coalition air strikes whose targets included schools and health facilities. Some believe the 2016 and 2018 permits may already have legally compromised the Government.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 14, 2021 22:07 UTC