Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney said she was "dismayed" by the government's actions.Credit:AP
"It is lamentable for the UK to be speaking of its intention to violate an international treaty signed by the Prime Minister less than a year ago,"Clooney said.
The human rights lawyer with London's Doughty Street Chambers – which represents Julian Assange – said she had waited to discuss the matter with Raab directly before quitting,but had to resign having received"no assurance that any change of position is imminent".
"I am disappointed to have to do so because I have always been proud of the UK's reputation as a champion of the international legal order,and of the culture of fair play for which it is known,"she said.
"However,very sadly,it has now become untenable for me,as Special Envoy,to urge other states to respect and enforce international obligations while the UK declares that it does not intend to do so itself.
"It threatens to embolden autocratic regimes that violate international law with devastating consequences all over the world."
A spokesperson for the Foreign,Commonwealth and Development Office said:"We'd like to thank Amal Clooney for all her work as special envoy to defend journalists and promote media freedom around the world."