The time has come for Australia to seek a seat on the Human Rights Council. Our inaugural candidacy reflects our commitment to the aims and purposes of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the ongoing promotion and protection of human rights.

Australia was a founding member of the United Nations – we have been an advocate ever since for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter which support human rights.

For over 70 years, we have continued to advocate for these principles, remaining an international human rights leader. Australia has been a champion of the principle that all states be treated equally, no matter their size.

We stand by these principles today, especially in the context of advancing human rights in the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia is seeking a seat on the Human Rights Council. Our inaugural candidacy embodies our commitment to the aims and purposes of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to the ongoing promotion and protection of human rights.

This commitment reflects national values which are deeply embedded in Australian society and our respect for democracy and the rule of law. It also underpins the way we have always engaged with the international community – with active, practical advocacy, sensitivity and fairness, and a willingness to speak out against human rights violations and abuses.

Australia’s campaign is built on five pillars:

• gender equality
• good governance
• freedom of expression
• the rights of indigenous peoples
• strong national human rights institutions and capacity building

These five pillars represent areas where Australia can advance human rights in practical, sensible ways that will have far-reaching systemic effects over time. Areas where we are already leaders in promoting improvements, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia would be a strong advocate for global abolition of the death penalty, one of Australia’s core human rights objectives.