George Clooney UN Messenger of Peace

George Clooney made UN Messenger of Peace to raise awareness of peacekeeping efforts

George Clooney has been made a UN Messenger of Peace to raise awareness of the world body's peacekeeping efforts.

Already known for his efforts in the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan, Clooney is a human rights activist and will now join eight other internationally prominent individuals - including actor Michael Douglas and author Paolo Coelho - as messengers for the UN to concentrate the world's attention on global crises, affecting the lives of billions.

Clooney said of his appointment: 'I am deeply honoured to receive this appointment. I look forward to working with the United Nations in order to build public support for its critically important work in some of the most difficult, dangerous and dire places in the world.'

The A-lister has already been called upon in his newly appointed position, by rebels in the Niger Delta who wish him to visit the region.

An emailed letter was sent to Clooney from The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which has kidnapped large numbers of foreigners in the past, and warned Clooney that its crusade against 'oil exploitation' by companies such as Shell, was 'building up to a crisis that will make Darfur an adjective for child's play.'

The letter continued saying that both side are ready for conflict after building up arms supplies, and that only intervention from 'well-meaning and credible peacemakers like you' will prevent the situation from deteriorating.