This principle and associated criteria are based upon respect for the rights of all human beings, and recognition and respect for their rich and diverse cultural heritage. Compliance with applicable laws is an underlying assumption and expectation, and we recognise there may be areas of inconsistency between these criteria and applicable laws. In the absence of law, or where there is a difference between these laws and these criteria, it is expected that the more stringent of the two will be adhered to.
1 Human Rights Council. 2011. “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework” http://www.business-humanrights.org/media/documents/ruggie/ruggie-guiding- principles-21-mar-2011.pdf