Australia looks set for UN Human Rights Council seat

Australia's bid to get its first-ever seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council looks set for success after one of its key competitors withdrew from the race.Human-rights campaigners say the seat would give Australia an important leadership role and, at the same time, would draw attention to its own imperfect record at home.

Special envoy Philip Ruddock (AAP) Source: AAP

After a two-year campaign, Australia appears almost certain now to take over one of two free seats on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

SBS World News understands a definite position will be open for Australia, thanks to French diplomats pulling their country out of the race and postponing France's bid until 2021.

Australia, Spain and France were competing for two vacant seats on the council, with the winners to be decided by a vote of all United Nations member countries in October.

Australian National University international-law professor Donald Rothwell says the United Nations now has few options but to choose Australia and Spain.