Australia looks almost certain to win a seat on the United Nations' peak human rights body after one of its main competitors decided to pull out of the race.

Australia has been vying with France and Spain to win the two UN Human Rights Council seats open to "Western European and other states" next year.

But yesterday Reuters reported that France would postpone its bid for a seat.

The ABC has also confirmed that France has decided to delay its bid, and will make a tilt further down the track instead.

That means Australia and Spain will automatically be elected to the two seats available to their group — unless there is a late entrant to the race.

The UN General Assembly would also have to ratify the decision, but that is likely to be a formality.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop would not comment on the reports, but said Australia would continue its "positive campaign" for a seat.

"The support for Australia's candidacy demonstrates the values and principles that underpin Australia's international engagement," Ms Bishop said.

"We will continue to campaign to ensure the South Pacific region is represented, for the first time, on the Council and we are looking forward to making a positive contribution."

Officials previously predicted that Australia would face a tough contest against France and Spain, which both have much larger diplomatic networks than Australia.

Human rights groups say they are disappointed France has withdrawn, because the contest will now lose all its intensity.

They argue that will undermine scrutiny of human rights in both Australia and Spain.

They have also criticised the UN for allowing countries with terrible human rights records — including Saudi Arabia and Venezuela — to win seats on the Council.