GENEVA, July 12 — The United Nations Human Rights Council today approved a contentious resolution on religious hatred in the wake of the burning of a Quran in Sweden.

The resolution was opposed by the United States and the European Union who say it conflicts with their view on human rights and freedom of expression.

Twenty-eight countries voted in favour, 12 voted against and seven countries abstained.

The motion, brought by Pakistan in response to last month’s incident, were seeking to pass the resolution for the UN rights chief to publish a report on the topic and call on states to review their laws and plug gaps that may "impede the prevention and prosecution of acts and advocacy of religious hatred”. — Reuters