Strengthening the UN Human Rights Council: Actions for Australia

The work, functioning and status of the UN Human Rights Council will be reviewed in 2011.  An open-ended working group established by the Council to discuss this review is scheduled for 25 to 29 October 2010. Coincidentally, Australia will participate in the Council’s Universal Periodic Review process from early- to mid-2011.

Both the Council review and the UPR provide an opportunity for Australia to engage with the Council in an active, constructive and principled manner and to further contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground.

To this end, the Centre has prepared a Policy Paper which outlines concrete proposals as to how Australia should contribute to strengthening the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council, both through:

  • best practice engagement with the Council and its various mechanisms; and
  • proactive participation and leadership in the review of the Council.
MichelleBennett