UNITED NATIONS (BBC) - The UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to create a new human rights organisation for the world body, despite opposition from the U.S.

The 47-nation UN Human Rights Council will replace the current 53-country UN Human Rights Commission.

The existing body has been heavily criticized for allowing countries with poor human rights to be members.

The U.S. was one of three nations which voted against the proposal, saying the reforms did not go far enough.

The new human rights body was approved by 170 members of the 190-nation assembly. Four nations abstained.

Members burst into applause when the result was announced.