UN needs new human rights body says Annan

The UN needs a new, permanent human rights body if it is to prevent appalling suffering from occurring around the world, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Annan said that the 53 nation body is failing to protect against human rights abuses, particularly in Sudan’s conflict-ravaged Darfur region, and should be replaced by a council with greater authority.