Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has unveiled a new global initiative designed to use artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to make access to justice easier for women and girls around the world.

The Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, launched in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and the Clooney Foundation for Justice, aims to transform how legal support is delivered by harnessing the power of technology. Announced in London on Monday, the initiative was hailed as having the potential to revolutionise legal access, moving it beyond the reach of only the wealthy or those fortunate enough to receive free legal representation.

The new institute will focus on expanding free legal information digitally, exploring how digital evidence can be better preserved and presented, and advancing international legal standards. It also intends to develop new frameworks for integrating AI into legal systems, enabling more people to pursue justice regardless of their circumstances.

Speaking at the launch event alongside Ms Clooney, Lord Hermer KC, the attorney general, described the project as an “unprecedented opportunity.” He previously worked with Clooney on several human rights cases before entering politics last year, when Sir Keir Starmer appointed him to his cabinet.

The scale of the challenge the new institute hopes to address is significant. According to World Justice Project data gathered from 45 countries in 2017, 53% of women reported facing a legal issue within a two-year period. However, only 13% sought help from authorities or third parties. Of those who did experience a legal problem, 42% reported suffering hardship as a result.

The new initiative is expected to play a key role in bridging this gap, offering new tools and approaches to improve access to justice and strengthen legal protections for women and girls globally.