Australia Yearbook - 2001

Chapter 3—International relations 99
UN so that it better reflects the interests of all
members. In line with Australia’s broader desire
for reform of the UN, the Government decided in
2000 to review Australia’s participation in the UN
treaty committee system.
Australia’s human rights
policy
In pursuing human rights objectives, Australia
gives priority to practical efforts that can directly
improve the human rights situation on the
ground. These include development cooperation
programs, assisting in establishing national
human rights institutions, encouraging bilateral,
regional and multilateral discussion of human
rights issues, and working to develop and
strengthen the effectiveness of regional and
international human rights institutions and
instruments.
In mid-1998, Australia established a Centre for
Democratic Institutions at the Australian National
University in Canberra, with the mission “to
harness the best of Australia’s democratic
experience in support of developing countries’
needs for good governance”. The Centre’s core
business is to design and deliver short, intensive,
high-level training programs in support of the
democratic process and the strengthening of civil
society.
Role of DFAT in Australia’s
international relations
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(DFAT) is the principal source of advice to the
Government on foreign and trade policy issues
and is the agency primarily responsible for
implementing the Government’s foreign and
trade policies.
Its aim is to advance the interests of Australia and
Australians internationally.
Its goals are to:
enhance Australia’s security;
contribute to growth in Australia’s economy,
employment and standard of living;
assist Australian travellers and Australians
overseas;
strengthen global cooperation in ways that
advance Australia’s interests; and
foster public understanding of Australia’s
foreign and trade policy and to project a
positive image of Australia internationally.
Location and number of DFAT
staff
Graph 3.1 shows the location of DFAT staff.
Graph 3.2 shows the number of Australia-based
DFAT staff overseas by broad region.
no.
2000
3.1 LOCATION OF DFAT STAFF—January 2000
1500
1000
500
0
Canberra
State & Territory
Offices
Australians
Overseas
Staff Recruited
Overseas
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.