Bishop rejects UN seat bid criticism

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Australia has a lot to offer in its bid for a seat on the UN human rights council.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has rejected criticism Australia is abusing its human rights record as it aims for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Australia was a principled nation and had a lot to offer the council, she said.

"And particularly when there are other countries that get elected to the human rights council whose record is dubious, to say the least," the minister told ABC television.