The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution to send a mission to Syria to investigate into the alleged human rights violations in the crackdown against anti-government protesters. Moved by the United States, the 47-member world body approved the resolution with nine countries voting against it while seven abstained and four did not vote. Russia and China were among those which opposed the resolution. Several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar either abstained or were absent. The resolution calls upon Syria to cooperate fully and grant access to personnel from the mission dispatched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The US Government has imposed sanctions against Syria's Intelligence Agency and two relatives of President Bashar-al-Assad. In an order signed by President Barrack Obama, sanctions were imposed against Maher al-Assad, brother of the President and Atif Najib, one of his cousins. Reports from Syria say at least 62 people were killed on Friday as thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators rallied in several cities. Witnesses and human right groups say many died when troops opened fire in the protest epicenter Deraa, where the unrest began in mid-March. Eye witnesses said troops opened fire on villagers demonstrating in the city of Deraa, which has been under military blockade since Monday. The security forces swamped the streets of capital Damascus also and tear gas was fired as prayers ended. Anti government demonstrations were also held in a number of other cities including Homs, Latakia and Baniyas.