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Amnesty: Trade shouldn't trump human rights

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 28 Apr 2015, 8:57AM
A Saudi Arabian woman holding the flag (Getty Images)
A Saudi Arabian woman holding the flag (Getty Images)

Amnesty: Trade shouldn't trump human rights

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 28 Apr 2015, 8:57AM

Updated 9.31am: Amnesty International Aotearoa says trade shouldn't trump human rights.

The Prime Minister's on a tour of the gulf states, today leading a trade mission to Saudi Arabia.

Amnesty International chief executive Grant Bayldon says that country is out of step with the international community.

And he says we shouldn't let a trade deal overshadow that.

"This is a country where executions are common, even for things like blasphemy you can get the death penalty. It's usually by beheading, torture is routine, the justice system is a sham, women can't vote, this list goes on."

MORE: Rachel Smalley - To deal or not to deal with Saudi Arabia 

But Acting Prime Minister Bill English says the Foreign Affairs Minister regularly raises such issues with New Zealand's trading partners.

He says in the end there's a choice.

"Do you think we make more progress, both with our own prosperity, and their human rights by trading with them? Some are advocating we don't have anything to do with that, we just don't agree with that."

AUDIO: Bill English on the Saudi trade talks 

Amnesty argues it's more important than ever that John Key speaks out against human rights abuse in Saudi Arabia, now that New Zealand is on the UN Security Council.

Grant Bayldon says when New Zealand ran its campaign for a security council seat, it said it would take a principled stand on the world stage.

"This is really a test for Mr Key, as to whether he's prepared to do that, and if he's prepared to represent New Zealand's values as well as our trade interests."

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says a valuable deal is on the table.

He says New Zealand exports around $1.7 billion a year to the Gulf Cooperation Council.

"This is the gateway to Africa as well as the Middle East. An FTA will have an impact all across that region so it's worth digging in and working hard for."

McCully says New Zealand manages its conversations with countries such as Saudi Arabia carefully.

He says we make it clear we will be raising human rights issues.

"My own view is that engagement with countries that have some progress to make in this regard, is helpful in getting them further down that road."

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