Brussels, 15/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament acknowledges and supports the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), which, despite the opposition of the United States and Israel, in 2006, succeeded the UN Human Rights Commission. It regrets, however, that the new multilateral body has not yet brought substantial progress in improving human rights in the world. In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg on 14 January, MEPs bemoan the fact that the HRC has not intervened in many of the most urgent human rights crises. Several HRC member countries oppose all scrutiny of country specific situations by means of resolutions by country, extraordinary sittings and special procedure mandates by country, arguing that these would politicise the HRC. The European Parliament points out, however, that the authority and credibility of the HRC depends on its ability to deal effectively with specific situations where human rights are being disregarded in individual countries. MEPs also warn about the growing division of the HRC into regional blocs. This “bloc mentality”, they say, is compromising the HRC's ability to react effectively, impartially and objectively. The EU has played an active role in the work of the HRC taking initiatives, for example, on Darfur, Burma/Mynamar and the DRC. The EP supports the EU approach which seeks to find a common position within the HRC. It regrets, however, that this position all too often a reflection of the lowest common denominator, thereby limiting the dynamic and diplomatic potential of the EU with regard to the other regional groups. The EP would like to see the EU play a more active role and take a stronger lead in presenting resolutions on country situations, despite the opposition of some countries. (H.B./transl.rt)