Australia takes an active and constructive approach to improving human rights standards and systems internationally, including through targeting development cooperation programs; supporting the establishment of national human rights institutions and good governance; encouraging multilateral, regional and bilateral discussion of human rights issues; and working to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of regional and international human rights institutions and instruments. Australia was elected to serve on the UN Commission on Human Rights for a three-year term from 2003 and served in 2003 a one-year term as Vice-Chair of the Commission. In addition to working through multilateral forums, Australia promotes human rights through bilateral dialogues with individual countries. Australia holds regular bilateral discussions with China, Vietnam and Iran.
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