KOFI Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, visited Oxford University to officially open the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights.

During his visit, Mr Annan, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, met students, staff and invited guests.

The institute, based at The Hands Building at Mansfield College, is the realisation of the vision of Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Principal of the college and one of the UK’s leading human rights lawyers.

When she became Principal one of her key goals was to promote research and engagement with global, regional and local human rights issues across the university.

On Friday Mr Annan addressed students, faculty members and visitors, saying: “I have no doubt that the scholarship and imagination that the Bonavero Institute will stimulate, and the outreach to civil society that it has put at the heart of its mission, will help realise the ultimate promise of human rights - creating a better world for all humankind.”

A key aim of the institute is to engage in research on pressing issues facing the world, including conflict and wars, climate change, gender and racial inequality, contemporary threats to democracy, human trafficking and violence against women and children.

Since opening its doors in October the institute has set up partnerships with organisations to promote human rights and the rule of law in the UK and beyond, and hosted or co-hosted more than 40 events, including a number of international conferences. The institute is led by its director, Prof Kate O’Regan.