In a divisive move that has sparked concerns among Western states over potential infringements on freedom of expression, the United Nations Human Rights Council has approved a resolution addressing religious hatred.
The resolution was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a group comprising 57 nations.
The contentious resolution comes in the aftermath of the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden, an incident that drew international attention and triggered a diplomatic outcry within the Muslim world.
Britain, the United States, the European Union countries including France and Germany, Costa Rica and Montenegro voted against the resolution.
Benin, Chile, Mexico and Nepal were among the abstentions. Argentina, China, Cuba, India, South Africa, Ukraine and Vietnam backed the resolution.
