Australia needs to lift its game to strengthen its bid for a seat on the UN's Human Rights Council

Australia should “lift its game” on human rights at home and abroad to strengthen its bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council, says a report by Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Law Centre. 

The report, “Australia at the Human Rights Council: Ready for a Leadership Role?” examines Australia’s readiness to operate effectively as a Human Rights Council member if elected. The government should demonstrate more leadership on global human rights issues, respond more constructively to concerns about its own human rights performance, and engage more closely with nongovernmental organisations, the two groups said.