Spotlight of the Week: Amal Clooney – Champion of Justice and Advocate for Children
Amal Clooney, a globally renowned barrister specializing in international law and human rights, is a force for justice and hope for marginalized communities worldwide. As the co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice alongside her husband, actor and activist George Clooney, Amal has tirelessly worked to combat injustice, empower vulnerable populations, and champion the rights of children and women.
Amal’s legal career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in the fight for human rights. She has represented victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence, and has been a pivotal figure in holding perpetrators accountable. Her landmark cases include representing Yazidi victims in the first trials where ISIS members were convicted of genocide, advocating for over 800 Yazidis in a U.S. civil case against ISIS financiers, and working on cases involving the Armenian genocide and the Darfur genocide in Sudan.
Amal also advocates for political prisoners and press freedom. She has secured the release of journalists detained for their work, including representing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, who faces legal persecution in the Philippines. Her dedication to justice has earned her numerous accolades, including the Gwen Ifill Award for press freedom and recognition as Legal 500’s Lawyer of the Year in 2024.
Amal Clooney’s commitment to children’s rights is a cornerstone of her philanthropic and legal efforts. Through the Clooney Foundation for Justice, she has spearheaded initiatives to provide education and opportunities to underserved children. In partnership with UNICEF, the foundation donated $2.25 million to fund seven schools in Lebanon, helping 3,000 Syrian refugee children access education and rebuild their lives.
In collaboration with Michelle Obama and Melinda French Gates, Amal co-launched the “Get Her There” campaign in 2022. This initiative aims to educate and empower teenage girls, addressing barriers such as child marriage and limited access to education. The trio’s advocacy efforts have taken them to Malawi and South Africa, where they amplified grassroots organizations’ work and met girls impacted by early marriage and restricted educational opportunities.
Amal has also supported causes aiding migrant children, including a $100,000 donation to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights to assist children separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
As an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Law School and a Senior Fellow at the Human Rights Institute, Amal continues to shape the next generation of legal minds. Her co-authored works, The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law and Freedom of Speech in International Law, are leading texts in the field.
Amal’s efforts exemplify her vision of a world where justice and opportunity are accessible to all, particularly women and children. Her work with children reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and advocacy, ensuring young lives are not just protected but empowered to thrive.
