The measure, pushed by the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee charged with human rights, won backing from 142 nations.

In addition to Myanmar, China and Russia, seven other countries voted against it and 26 nations — including Japan — abstained, the Japan Times reported.

Myanmar’s representative voiced objections to the resolution, defending the country’s handling of the Rohingya crisis including the setting up of an independent panel to investigate allegations of human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslims.

The motion acknowledges “with grave concern” remarks made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other officials who have labeled the persecution “ethnic cleansing” and “strongly condemns” all violations and abuses of human rights in Myanmar.

It also calls on the Myanmar authorities to ensure that those responsible for the rights violations and abuses are held accountable and removed from positions of power.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 720,000 Rohingya have fled from Rakhine state to neighboring Bangladesh since the latest round of violence against the Muslim minority in August last year.

They fled to escape a harsh crackdown launched by Myanmar security forces.

The resolution will now be put to a vote in a plenary session of the General Assembly where it is expected to be adopted in December.