Australia was elected by a majority of United Nations member states to serve a three-year term on the Human Rights Council, the world's peak body for promoting and protecting human rights.
Australia will take its seat on 1 January 2018 and is ready to work closely with other countries and civil society to protect and advance human rights around the world. It is in our national interest to shape the work of the Council and uphold the international rules-based order. Respecting fundamental human rights and freedoms, and building them into the fabric of a society, makes Australia and the world safer and more secure.
Media release: Australia elected to the Human Rights Council
More information: Australia: member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2018-2020)