Australia calls for UN to form criminal tribunal to investigate MH17 disaster

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to strongly consider forming a criminal tribunal to investigate the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 and bring those responsible to account.

Two days before the one-year anniversary of the disaster, Bishop asked the UN to undertake an "independent criminal investigation" into the downing of the Malaysia Airlines jet which was carrying 298 people when it was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, 2014.

Australia, alongside Ukraine, Malaysia, Belgium and the Netherlands, have advised the UN that they are all in support of the proposal, and Bishop said the formation of a full investigation would send a strong message that the world will not tolerate those wishing to disrupt international peace.

"The establishment of an international criminal tribunal under Chapter VII of the UN Charter for this purpose would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate acts that threaten peace and security by endangering civil aviation," she said in a statement.

"A tribunal established by the Council would ensure broad international support for prosecutions and would maximize the prospects of securing international cooperation, which will be necessary for an effective prosecution."

Bishop said a criminal tribunal was the best way to ensure proper justice for the families of those affected by the tragedy.

The Boeing 777-200ER jet was traveling between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur as it crashed over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including 27 Australians.

Memorials have been planned around Australia to mark the one- year commemoration of the disaster on Friday July 17. Endi