Report Highlights Human Rights Challenges in Rural Scotland

A recent report indicates that individuals residing in certain regions of Scotland encounter difficulties in exercising their fundamental human rights concerning health, housing, and food. The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) conducted an inquiry into conditions within Argyll and Bute, the Hebrides, the Highlands, Moray, and the Northern Isles. The commission stated that it had collected evidence pointing to problems stemming from insufficient affordable housing, the consolidation of health services, fuel poverty, and inconsistent public transportation. The Scottish government responded by stating it had initiated measures to tackle certain concerns highlighted in the report. The SHRC made the decision last year to undertake this study, motivated by a recognition that its understanding of issues impacting rural and island communities was not as comprehensive as its grasp of those in central Scotland. To gather information, the commission conducted interviews with a range of individuals, including community leaders, campaigners, representatives from development trusts, teachers, crofters, lawyers, health workers, and MSPs. The SHRC’s report notes that human rights responsibilities are devolved to Scotland under the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998. The SHRC reported that, among all the rights it investigated, none fully satisfied the adequacy criteria stipulated by international law. Consequently, it has presented several recommendations to the Scottish parliament and the Scottish government, advocating for immediate measures to address homelessness, hunger, and access to sexual and reproductive health services. Prof Angela O’Hagan, the Chairwoman, expressed the commission’s significant concern regarding the substandard condition of economic, social, and cultural rights. She stated: “Too many people in Highland and Islands are hungry, homeless, without access to healthcare, and the basics for everyday life.” She continued: “With this work, we are piloting a new way of monitoring, one that brings the commission closer to communities and enhances their voices and struggles.” She added: “While we continue to develop this way of working, we expect that all duty-bearers will reflect carefully on the evidence found in this report, and the action now required from them to meet their human rights obligations.” Rebecca Wymer, a campaigner for women’s healthcare in Caithness, noted that the report supports demands for greater local availability of obstetrics and gynaecology services, which encompass care for pregnant women, unborn babies, and women’s sexual and reproductive health. In 2016, the maternity unit located at Caithness General in Wick experienced a downgrade, transitioning from consultant-led to midwife-led care. Consequently, the majority of first-time mothers are now directed to Inverness’ Raigmore Hospital for childbirth. Ms Wymer informed BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live programme: “We have been working really closely with the Scottish Human Rights Commission for about two years banging the drum on basically what is in the report.” She further stated: “I don’t think anybody who lives in the Highlands expects a full all bells and whistles specialist centre – everyone is happy to travel for specialist care.” She continued: “But women make up 51% of Scotland’s population so gynaecology is not specialist care.” She concluded: “Gynaecology is a basic human right and what we should be getting as a standard.” A spokesperson for the Scottish government commented: “We recognise the rights to food, housing and health and that is why we have taken action to advance human rights in practice now, as well as to prepare the public sector for new duties in the future in relation to the rights highlighted in the report.” The spokesperson added: “We believe that no-one should have to compromise on food or other essentials and have published a plan, grounded in human rights, to tackle this.” They also mentioned that nine specific actions have been implemented to enhance food access and reduce the reliance on food parcels. Furthermore, the spokesperson stated that over 10,000 affordable residences were provided throughout rural Scotland between April 2016 and March 2023. They concluded by noting that the establishment of a National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Care is intended to assist health and social care providers in developing long-term sustainable healthcare solutions for rural and island regions.