George Clooney’s Fiancee Turns Down UN Gaza Appointment (Updated)

Amal Alamuddin cites ongoing commitments in her decision to decline the U.N.’s offer

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(Updated Monday, Aug. 11 at 1:33 p.m.) Despite the United Nations’ assertion that George Clooney‘s fiancee, attorney Amal Alamuddin, had been appointed to a three-person commission to investigate possible war crimes in Gaza, Alamuddin has released a statement saying she has declined to accept to post.

While saying that she was “honored” by the offer, Alamuddin noted that commitments, which include eight ongoing legal cases, prevent her from taking part in the committee.

“There are various reports published today stating that I have been appointed as one of three members of the UN Commission of Inquiry for Gaza. I am horrified by the situation in the occupied Gaza Strip, particularly the civilian casualties that have been caused, and strongly believe that there should be an independent investigation and accountability for crimes that have been committed,” Alamuddin’s statement reads. “I was contacted by the UN about this for the first time this morning. I am honored to have received the offer, but given existing commitments — including eight ongoing cases — unfortunately could not accept this role. I wish my colleagues who will serve on the commission courage and strength in their endeavors.”

Previously…

George Clooney‘s wife-to-be shares the actor’s humanitarian leanings.

Clooney’s fiancee Amal Alamuddin (pictured) has been tapped by the United Nations to serve on a three-member commission that will investigate possible war crimes in Gaza, which has been rocked by deadly unrest in recent months.

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Alamuddin, an attorney and international law specialist, previously served as legal adviser to the Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

The commission will “investigate all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip, in the context of the military operations conducted since 13 June 2014, whether before, during or after, to establish the facts and circumstances of such violations and of the crimes perpetrated and to identify those responsible, to make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures, all with a view to avoiding and ending impunity and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, and on ways and means to protect civilians against any further assaults,” the United Nations said Monday.

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Also on the commission: Senegalese attorney Doudou Diene, who has worked with the UN on racism and human rights issues on the Ivory Coast, and  international law professor William Schabas, who will serve as the chair of the commission.

Clooney, whose own humanitarian efforts are well-publicized, was compelled to step down as a messenger of peace for the United Nations after six years, due to scheduling difficulties.

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