Australian Arms on Display in Dubai: Potential Human Rights Risks in Sudan

Australian companies have been represented at the Dubai International airshow, a self-described showcase for cutting-edge military aircraft and air defence technologies. The event, which took place in Dubai, featured more than 35 Australian companies showcasing their military capabilities. According to reports, nearly 300 million weapons were exported by Australian companies to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over a period of five years. The UAE has denied shipping weapons to a paramilitary group in Sudan, despite concerns raised by human rights groups about the potential use of these arms in atrocities. A retired military officer, who was fronting the Australia pavilion at the airshow, offered the key credibility of being in uniform for defence companies promoting their products. This unique advantage is seen as a way to attract and engage with visiting military delegations. The briefing notes shared by the head of the Australian pavilion highlighted the importance of building relationships with international partners. The notes emphasized the need to provide visiting delegations with information on the capabilities and technologies offered by Australian companies. This approach is seen as a way to increase sales and expand the country's military exports. The Dubai International airshow is an annual event that brings together military officials and defence companies from around the world. The event provides a platform for companies to showcase their latest technologies and build relationships with potential clients. The UAE has been a significant market for Australian defence companies, with exports valued at nearly 300 million dollars over the past five years. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential use of Australian-made weapons in Sudan. The groups argue that the UAE's denial of shipping weapons to the paramilitary group in Sudan is not sufficient to alleviate concerns about the use of these arms in atrocities. "The UAE's denial is not enough to convince us that these weapons are not being used in Sudan," said a spokesperson for a human rights group. "We need to see concrete evidence that these arms are not being used to commit human rights abuses." The Australian government has maintained that it has strict controls in place to ensure that its military exports are not used to commit human rights abuses. The government has also emphasized the importance of building relationships with international partners to promote peace and stability. "We take our export controls very seriously," said a spokesperson for the Australian government. "We work closely with our international partners to ensure that our military exports are used for legitimate purposes." The Dubai International airshow has come to an end, but the debate about the use of Australian-made weapons in Sudan is likely to continue. The event has highlighted the complex issues surrounding military exports and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As the world grapples with the implications of military technology, the debate about the use of Australian-made weapons in Sudan serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration and responsible decision-making.