The UNEP FI Human Rights Screening and Risk Assessment tool was developed by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). It is designed to support financial institutions in integrating human rights considerations into investment and lending processes.

Target audience

The primary audience includes finance professionals working in investment management, commercial and retail banking, and development finance. It is also relevant to risk, compliance and ESG (environmental, social and governance) teams within these institutions.

Purpose and functionality

The tool provides a structured approach for identifying, screening, and assessing human rights risks at both the portfolio and transaction levels. It aligns with international standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidance, offering practical steps to assess risk exposure and prioritise responses.

It guides users through the process of:

• Conducting initial human rights screening.
• Identifying salient human rights risks relevant to sectors, geographies, and activities.
• Assessing the severity and likelihood of identified risks.
• Integrating findings into risk management frameworks.

Relevance to finance professionals

For finance professionals, the tool supports due diligence and helps mitigate reputational, legal, and operational risks linked to human rights impacts. It assists in aligning financial activities with international human rights expectations, enhancing decision-making in investment and lending practices.

By standardising the assessment process, it also facilitates internal reporting and communication with stakeholders on human rights performance and risk management.