Australia on the United Nations Human Rights Council 2018–2020

On 16 October 2017, in New York, the United Nations General Assembly elected Australia to serve on the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2018–2020 term. The 47-member HRC is the UN body responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the world. Australia’s inaugural membership reflects our steadfast commitment to the aims and purposes of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Australian Government’s commitment to speak honestly and consistently for the advancement of human rights internationally.

Australia was an active and constructive member of the HRC. We engaged closely on country situations and made robust statements in response to human rights situations of concern, in our region and beyond. During Australia’s term as a member of the HRC Australia built its engagement around ten pillars and priorities:

• gender equality
• good governance
• freedom of expression
• rights of indigenous peoples
• strong national human rights institutions and capacity building
• rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons
• freedom of religion or belief
• abolition of the death penalty
• rights of peoples with disability
• role of civil society

Voluntary pledges

In accordance with resolution 60/251, Australia lodged its voluntary pledges and commitments [PDF 255 KB] with the United Nations General Assembly on 24 July 2017. The pledges were in line with Australia's campaign pillars and adhere to our longstanding commitment to promote and protect human rights.

On 11 September 2017, ahead of the Human Rights Council elections in New York on 16 October 2017, we were pleased to attend the Amnesty International and the International Service for Human Rights pledging events in Geneva and New York.

We presented our vision for Council membership, and responded to questions from other States and civil society on how we will realise the pledges and commitments made in support of our candidacy.

As demonstrated by our participation in the pledging events in New York and Geneva, we support civil society participation in international organisations, and our commitment to international scrutiny and accountability is unwavering.

Media releases, national statements and joint statements from each HRC session.