United Nations Security Council & Human Rights Council

Today I announce Australia will be a candidate for the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30.

The need for strong international cooperation to tackle global security challenges becomes more pressing each year. Australia seeks this term determined that elected members can and should make a difference in increasing the Security Council's effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.

Australia served with distinction throughout our last two-year term, which ended in December 2014. We championed initiatives that directly supported our national security interests, taking the lead on a number of landmark resolutions.

In July 2014, Australia drove the Council's response on the downing of MH17, resulting in a resolution supporting an impartial, international investigation and demanding accountability for the perpetrators.

Australia chaired the Al Qaida, Taliban and Iran sanctions committees and coordinated the Council's work on Afghanistan. We pressed for a concerted international response to the rise of Da'esh and the threat of foreign terrorist fighters.

Australia promoted the linkages between human rights protection and political stability and security, including putting the human rights situation in North Korea on the Council's formal agenda.

Security Council elections are highly competitive and candidacies are usually announced many years in advance. If elected, Australia will use our term to support Australia's core national security interests, while enhancing our international influence by making a practical constructive contribution across the Security Council's agenda.

The 2029 – 30 term is the first available opportunity to nominate for a seat that is uncontested, giving Australia the greatest chance of success and minimising the cost.

Australia is also a candidate for the Human Rights Council for the term 2018-20.

We are an international leader in advancing the rights of women and girls, strengthening governance and democratic institutions, and promoting freedom of expression.

As a member of the Human Rights Council, Australia would bring a clear focus on addressing human rights violations and holding perpetrators to account. Australia would also be a leading advocate for global abolition of the death penalty.