An inquiry into the disappearance of Tom Phillips and his children will analyse if New Zealand met its obligations under international law.  

The four year search for the group ended in a shootout last September, where Phillips severely injured a police officer before being shot dead. 

An inquiry into their disappearance will begin hearing evidence today, looking at whether agencies should have done more or acted faster to protect the children.  

Waikato University Senior Law Lecturer Anna-Marie Brennan told Andrew Dickens New Zealand has obligations to protect children under UN conventions.  

She says children deprived of their family environment must be given special protection and assistance. 

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