Fiji's Human Rights Commission says it was under no obligation to get approval from NZAID over an updated version of a notebook aimed at reminding soldiers about the rights of civilians.
NZAID provided funding for the first edition.
It says the new version contains elements and guidance that implies a recognition of the coup last December and it is not an interpretation of events New Zealand supports.
The Commission's Director, Dr Shaista Shameem, says there was no contractual reason to consult over the book, even though it acknowledged NZAID assistance:
"If that was what was required, we probably wouldn't have entered into the contract. Because NZAID has in the past given us money it dosen't have a look at the final booklet before publication because that would mean a foreign government is actually interferring in in the affairs of an independent rights institution."
The Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, Dr Shaista Shameem
