AUSTRALIA'S HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY
Australia has a long tradition of supporting human rights around the world and was closely involved in the development of the international human rights system by helping draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Australia takes an active and constructive approach to improving human rights standards and systems internationally, including through participation in UN mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, targeted development assistance programs, and support for good governance and the establishment of national human rights institutions. Australia has formal human rights dialogues with China, Vietnam and Laos.
On 15 March 2006 Australia voted for the UN General Assembly resolution establishing a new Human Rights Council to replace the previous Commission on Human Rights. Australia had served on the Commission since 2003. Australia attends sessions of the Human Rights Council in Geneva as an active observer.
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