Australia has launched its bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2018.
"Australia would bring the values of our nation, an inclusive, diverse and tolerant society, built on migration," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in Canberra on Monday.
"We're one of the most successful open, free, liberal democracies in the world, committed to the rule of law and to human rights."
Attorney-General George Brandis said Australia's candidacy was the "most natural thing in the world" for a country built on a belief in and commitment to human rights.
"It should never be forgotten (we're) one of the world's most generous societies to displaced people," he said.
Ms Bishop already has received positive feedback about the bid from Geneva and New York.
"We're up against some very good competition, but I believe it's appropriate that Australia does campaign for an inaugural seat on the human rights council - we have not been here before," she told reporters.
The cost of the campaign will be absorbed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
