GENEVA (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the world organisation's Human Rights Council on Monday that it must tackle abuses wherever they arise and promote a single set of rights around the globe.
In a forthright speech to the 47-member Council, set up nearly two years ago to replace a much-criticised predecessor, Ban said the body had to ask whether it was meeting the "high expectations the international community has of you".
"Your power must be exercised at all times, in the face of all threats to human rights, wherever they occur," the U.N. chief declared.
Islamic and African states, with the frequent backing of Russia, China and Cuba have an effective built-in majority in the council. It has been under fire from the United States -- which refused to join the body -- for its frequent criticism of Israel.
The U.S. criticism has been echoed by many Western countries, who say the council plays down or ignores abuses in countries like Sudan, Zimbabwe, North Korea, Belarus and Cuba.
"For the Human Rights Council to fulfil its true promise, you must create an environment of trust," Ban told the members. "You must spur greater accountability for action on human rights."
