"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,” she said.
The UN's Geneva-based Human Rights Council on Monday announced that she would serve on a three-member commission of inquiry looking into possible violations of the rules of war during the Israeli offenses against Hamas.
Hours later however, Clooney's Hollywood agent, Stan Rosenfield, issued a statement on Alamuddin's behalf saying she had declined the post because of her pressing engagements.
"I was contacted by the UN about this for the first time this morning. I am honoured to have received the offer, but given existing commitments ‘including eight ongoing cases', I unfortunately could not accept this role. I wish my colleagues who will serve on the commission courage and strength in their endeavours," she said.
Gabon ambassador Baudelaire Ndong Ella, who is president of the 47-nation UN Human Rights Council, made the announcement of her appointment.
The announcement said Alamuddin would serve alongside Doudou Diene of Senegal, a lawyer who has filled UN posts on racism and human rights in Ivory Coast, and Canada's William Schabas, an international law professor at Middlesex University in London.
The UN’s top human rights body did not immediately respond to a request for clarification over why it announced the inclusion of Clooney's fiancée, the reports said.
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And why is THIS a news?
@numbersnumbers:
"The launching of thousands of unguided rockets into Israeli civilian areas by Hamas has been studiously edited out of the UNHRC investigation as if they never happened!"
How many thousands of Israelis have been killed or injured -- like innocent Palestinian children and women killed by Isreal -- by those rockets calling for UNHRC investigations? You occupy their lands and expel millions out of their homes, and then ask them not to try take it back. I understand why it is difficult for you to agree with Palestinians as Indians themselves have committed, and are still committing, the same crimes with Kashmiri people.
@ishrat salim: More like any reading of the panels mandate will see that only Israeli actions are to be investigated! The launching of thousands of unguided rockets into Israeli civilian areas by Hamas has been studiously edited out of the UNHRC investigation as if they never happened!
Because she knows the outcome will be same as Mr Goldman`s investigative report.....nothing will happen & Israel will be off-the-hook like all other report of the past.....