Start of U.N. Human Rights Council rises hopes and doubts

Inaugurating the new body, Annan told the council it should avoid the political point-scoring of its discredited predecessor, the Human Rights Commission.

Photo: Start of U.N. Human Rights Council rises hopes and doubts

"This council represents a great new chance for the United Nations and for humanity, to renew the struggle for human rights. I implore you, do not let the opportunity be squandered," Annan said.

The now-defunct Human Rights Commission was discredited in recent years because some countries with terrible rights records used their membership to protect one another from condemnation. The establishment of the council was also part of Annan's larger blueprint for reform of the United Nations.

The first meeting of the 47-member council opened Monday and runs through June 30, will aim to set out its operating procedures, including how it should carry out its human rights reviews of all 191 U.N. member states, and how often.

The council needs mature leadership to inspire cooperation and commitment, rather than the confrontation and distrust which dominated the final years of the commission, Annan said.