Colin Sheridan: Amal Clooney’s voice has great potential

Amal Clooney has spent her working life chasing down Islamic State war criminals. Yet, when it comes to the genocide on her doorstep, she chooses not to use her voice

George and Amal Clooney. In 2016, they co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice. There is literally no humanitarian issue on which they have been silent. Save for one. The one raging 300km from the hospital she was born in Beirut. A genocide on her doorstep.

“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 … 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 endeavours.”

— Amal Clooney’s statement, made through her husband’s Hollywood agent, citing a scheduling conflict to recuse herself from serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council inquiry into Israeli war crimes in Gaza in 2014.