The Abbott government is resisting a push by its closest allies to establish a United Nations investigation into war crimes and human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, where Australia has returned more than 1100 failed asylum seekers in the past 18 months.

A draft UN resolution, obtained by Fairfax Media, calls on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct the inquiry into ''alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights'' in Sri Lanka that leaves open the possibility it could lead to prosecutions, including for members of the current government.

"We encourage all parties to take a constructive approach to assist the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka.": Julie Bishop Credit:AP

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed Australia had not co-sponsored the resolution and wanted a motion to reflect ''progress'' in ''reconstruction and rehabilitation'' in Sri Lanka.

Australia has previously co-sponsored resolutions at the UN's Human Rights Council expressing concern on Sri Lanka's record but is understood to have exasperated the US, Canada, Britain and the Europe Union by not yet backing this one, which for the first time calls for an independent and comprehensive inquiry into the allegations.