A high-level panel appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for a major overhaul of the Geneva-based UN human rights watchdog to make it perform effectively, as part of a proposed sweeping reform of the United Nations.  

The 53-member Commission on Human Rights is entrusted with promoting respect for human rights globally, fostering international cooperation in human rights, responding to violations in specific countries and assisting countries in building their human rights capacity.

"In recent years, the commission's capacity to perform these tasks has been undermined by eroding credibility and professionalism," said the panel of 16 former prominent diplomats in a report to be officially launched on Thursday.

The report identified six major threats to humankind in the 21st century, including terrorism, HIV/AIDS and weapons of mass destruction, and put forward 101 proposals to address them, including reforms of various UN organs.

"We are concerned that in recent years states have sought membership of the commission not to strengthen human rights but to protect themselves against criticism or to criticize others," the panel said.

"The commission cannot be credible if it is seen to be maintaining double standards in addressing human rights concerns," it warned.

The report listed the UN agency's membership as one of the most difficult and sensitive points.

"In recent years, the issue of which states are elected to the commission has become a source of heated international tension, with no positive impact on human rights and a negative impact on the work of the commission," it noted.

The report recommended that the membership of the commission be expanded to universal membership and an advisory council or panel be set up to support its work.

It also suggested that in the longer term, the Commission on Human Rights, which is currently subsidiary to the Economic and Social Council, be upgraded to a "Human Rights Council."

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2004)