Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and the countries investigating the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have called on the United Nations to establish a criminal tribunal to prosecute those responsible.

Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine want the UN Security Council to set up an independent tribunal to "try those responsible for crimes" connected to the tragedy, which claimed 298 lives on July 17 last year.

"Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine consider an independent international criminal tribunal established by the Council, reflecting the highest international standards, would be the best means of ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones," Ms Bishop said on Tuesday.