Australia takes an active and constructive approach to improving human rights standards and systems internationally, including through: targeted development assistance programs; supporting good governance and the establishment of national human rights institutions; 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 addresses human rights issues through action in multilateral fora such as the UN Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and by raising particular concerns with individual countries; Australia holds dedicated bilateral human rights dialogues with China, Vietnam and Iran. Australia is a party to numerous international human rights treaties and instruments.
Australia was elected to serve on the CHR for a three-year term from 2003, and was elected President of the CHR for 2004 - the first time Australia has held this important post.
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