Commenting on the newly released Scottish Human Rights Commission spotlight project report into the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Highlands and Islands, Rhoda Grant MSP says: “ I want to thank the Scottish Human Rights Commission for their work on this project and for meeting me to hear concerns expressed by constituents on issues such as health and fuel poverty.

“While this is a deeply concerning read, it further confirms what organisations, charities and individuals have been saying for decades – that basic, core human rights obligations are not being met!

“This SNP Government is aware of these issues but have not acted to deal with them.  They fail to address healthcare inequalities, fuel poverty, hunger and housing all of which is fuelling depopulation.

“I concur with all of the recommendations especially the urgent calls to eradicate rooflessness and hunger in the Highlands and Islands and calls for the universal access to affordable, acceptable, and quality sexual and reproductive health services. This is especially required in areas such as Caithness where women have to often travel 120 miles to access maternity services and women’s healthcare.

“The Scottish Government has shamefully shelved the Human Rights Bill in this Parliament, my Private Members’ Bill on the Right to Food will continue to make its way through Parliament. This report further underpins why the human right to food is required to be enshrined in Scots’ Law. I will also be pressing the Scottish Government to step up and act on the recommendations of this report.”