UN creates investigator on freedom of assembly

GENEVA – The United Nations has created a special investigator to examine the right to freedom of assembly around the world.

The U.S.-backed resolution passed without a vote in the U.N. Human Rights Council, though some countries including China and Cuba distanced themselves from the decision.

Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, the U.S. ambassador at the 47-nation council, told reporters after Thursday's vote that the post was "exactly the type of issue" for which Washington joined the Geneva-based last year.

The council will appoint an expert to fill the unpaid post at a later date.

The mandate for a similar investigator examining human rights abuses in Sudan is due to be renewed on Friday but faces opposition from some Arab and Asian members of the council.