U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan speaks at the first meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council on June 19.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan was among government ministers and dignitaries to address the inaugural session with calls to avoid the finger-pointing and political point-scoring that hampered the work of the disbanded Human Rights Commission.

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

Unlike the 53-state commission, where members were nominated by regional blocs, the council's 47 members were elected by the U.N. General Assembly, a change which proponents say makes it more difficult for rights violators to win a seat.

A major criticism of the 60-year-old commission was that it was easy for states with a poor record to use membership to avoid scrutiny.

The United States, which has faced worldwide criticism for its handling of terrorism suspects, did not seek a seat, although it has not ruled out a future candidacy.

One change is that the human rights performance of council members will be periodically reviewed.

The council has a year to make key decisions, such as how to carry out the planned peer reviews and what changes, if any, to make to the system of special investigators.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 24, 2006
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