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.
"There are seven seats set aside on the council for Western European and 'other' members -- Australia falls into that category. There are two vacancies that are occurring in 2017. There are effectively two candidates. So, unless there is a late candidate, Australia would effectively be elected later this year."
The Turnbull Government has been pushing hard for a place on the Human Rights Council.
Former Liberal minister Philip Ruddock has been flying around the world as the country's Special Envoy on Human Rights in a bid to solidify votes.
In May, the ABC reported Mr Ruddock's campaigning in 23 countries had cost taxpayers more than $200,000.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's office would not comment on reports of France's withdrawal but told SBS Australia is continuing to campaign for a seat on the council.
The head of Human Rights Watch in Australia, Elaine Pearson, says it is a shame the process would be stripped of its competitiveness.
"Australia, France and Spain all signed up to a joint statement reiterating the importance of the competitive nature of these elections, and that's why it's particularly surprising and disappointing that France would withdraw from this race."
Human rights groups have long criticised Australia for failing to address human-rights concerns at home, particularly on Indigenous affairs and the treatment of asylum seekers.
Amnesty International Australia's Michael Hayworth says it is important for Australia to still follow through on its commitments.
"This makes it even more critical that Australia demonstrate leadership on human rights. We need a national plan of action to address the incredibly high rates of Indigenous youth incarceration. We need to stop the offshore detention of people who've come here seeking our safety. And we need to urgently act, not just because of this Human Rights Council bid, but also because those human-rights abuses are causing irreparable harm to families and communities."
Ms Pearson says the council has been criticised in the past for allowing the membership of countries with questionable credentials.
"I think the Human Rights Council does play a valuable role, but I think it's been undermined, particularly in recent years, by countries like Cuba, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, countries that massively violate human rights, having a seat at that council."
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