Australia to bid for UN Security Council seat

Bishop said in a statement Wednesday that Australia would be a candidate for a Security Council seat in 2029-30 as she signalled the country’s intention to also seek a spot on the UN Human Rights Council for 2018-20.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed Australia will make a fresh bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, despite criticism that the Coalition has backflipped on its decision.

Ms Bishop has previously criticised former Foreign Minister Bob Carr for taking his wife on trips – although those trips were covered by the taxpayer.

Franç ois Cré peau, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, last week postponed an official visit to Australia because of what he said was a lack of cooperation from the government and worries the people who spoke to him about conditions faced by asylum seekers could risk imprisonment.

“They were very critical of our attempt to win the United Nations Security Council seat but I’m glad they made an effort once it was won to participate”, she said.

Australia last served on the UNSC in December past year.

The new powers will apply to dual citizens who fight with or support groups such as IS, or Daesh, as well as so-called “lone wolves”, whether in Australia or on foreign soil.

“Australia chaired the al-Qaeda, Taliban and Iran sanctions committees and co-ordinated the council’s work on Afghanistan”.

“We’re told that such retrenchment is required to beat back disorder, that it’s the only way to stamp out terrorism or prevent foreign meddling”, he said.

“Australia promoted the linkages between human rights protection and political stability and security, including putting the human rights situation in North Korea on the council’s formal agenda”.

But he agrees with the Foreign Minister that Australia’s strong record during its recent occupation of the temporary Security Council seat is the campaign’s best asset.

‘Australia’s term on the Security Council in 2013-14 demonstrated that elected members can play an active and constructive role, ‘ she said.

“In July 2014, Australia drove the Council’s response on the downing of MH17, resulting in a resolution supporting an impartial, global investigation and demanding accountability for the perpetrators”, Ms Bishops said.

Countries normally announce their candidacies years in advance, and the 2029-2030 term is the first available seat that is not already being contested.

This gives Australia the greatest chance of success and minimising the cost, Ms Bishop said.