Supporting IFU in integrating human rights

The collaboration aims to support the continuous integration of human rights in IFU’s investment processes. The collaboration will include identifying ways to further embed human rights in relevant investment policies and processes. 

Concretely, the collaboration will among other things include 

• reviewing and updating IFU’s internal human rights risk screening tools and procedures
• advising IFU on integrating human rights when investing in funds or financial intermediaries
• strengthening IFU’s monitoring of human rights related performance of its investments 

Why this matters

IFU’s stated objective is to contribute to economic and social development in the investment countries and support the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Given the importance of respect for human rights to the realisation of sustainable development it is paramount that IFU embeds the human rights lens throughout its investment processes. This has the potential to improve the situation for people potentially affected by IFU supported investments including workers, communities, patients, and students. By embedding human rights in its investments processes IFU can avoid and address negative impacts on stakeholders associated with their investments and seek to maximise positive impacts.

About IFU

IFU – the Investment Fund for Developing Countries is a Danish impact investor that aims to contribute to green, just and inclusive societies as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. As an independent government fund IFU makes risk capital available in the form of equity, loans or guarantees for companies in countries eligible for IFU investment. IFU and IFU managed funds have co-invested in 1,318 companies in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. Committed investments total DKK 227 billion, of which IFU has contributed DKK 25 billion.