NEW YORK, September 19, 2005 -- The United Nations Democracy Caucus must ensure that the new UN Human Rights Council is a credible body, unlike its predecessor, the Human Rights Commission, a coalition of human rights and pro-democracy organizations declared today at the UN.

In a statement delivered to the foreign ministers of democratic countries, the Campaign for a UN Democracy Caucus called for the Human Rights Council to be composed of rights protectors, not violators. It also criticized democratic nations for not advocating hard enough for a credible UN human rights body.

The UN Democracy Caucus is an outgrowth of the Community of Democracies, a global coalition of over 100 democratic and democratizing nations committed to the promotion and strengthening of democracy and human rights, including at the UN.

The Campaign for a UN Democracy Caucus is coordinated by the Democracy Coalition Project, Freedom House, and the Transnational Radical Party. Fore more information about the campaign, including a complete list of its member organizations, please visit: www.democracycaucus.net