George Clooney may have been guest of honour at the 100 LIVES initiative, but it was an event that held as much resonance with his lawyer wife Amal. The couple stepped out on Tuesday to attend the New York event, which was marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Amal, who specialises in human rights, international law, criminal law and extradition, scored high in the style stakes as she joined her husband for the poignant affair.
The Lebanese beauty flaunted her svelte figure in a quirky indigo dress, which featured sheer panels and embroidered cut out sides.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAmal Clooney, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, specialises in human rights
Amal, 37, proudly watched on as her husband George took to the stage to speak about the importance of getting involved with 100 LIVES. The initiative expresses gratitude to individuals and institutions who helped save Armenian lives by carrying out heroic deeds.
George reiterated the need to combat genocide and advance human rights – a topic his wife is familiar with – as he said: "We really want people to get involved with 100 LIVES, to celebrate those that overcome adversity and give back to others, just as the Armenian community is doing in this centenary year."
"The humanity, generosity, strength and sacrifice shown by those who saved so many Armenians compel us to tell these stories."
George, 53, added: "Now is the time to shine a light on those most extraordinary lives, to build on the lessons they teach us, and to express our gratitude for what they did."
© Photo: Getty ImagesAmal and George Clooney mingled with the 100 LIVES initiative co-founder Ruben Vardanyan (far right)
The night also marked the launch of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a new global humanitarian award that will be given to people who put themselves at risk to enable others to survive and thrive. George will award the inaugural prize at a ceremony in Yerevan, Armenia on 24 April next year.
The Gravity star has previously said: "It should weigh heavily on all of us that genocide still takes place today. We have to tackle this head on, as individuals, as communities and as governments."
An estimated 1.5 million people died during the Armenian Genocide between 1915 and 1923.
The 100 LIVES initiative was founded by philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan and humanitarian Vartan Gregorian to demonstrate the impact it had, and how many of its survivors went on to lead successful lives in the worlds of culture, art, sports, science and business.
