Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights for Young People in the Highlands

As an organization dedicated to supporting young people’s rights in the Highlands, we welcome the recent report by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, which sheds light on the significant challenges faced by young people across the region. This research is a crucial reminder that the voices and rights of young people must be at the forefront of discussions about public policy and service delivery.

The report highlights several critical issues that impact young people’s rights, that we as a charity are working hard to change:

Access to Education – Persistent attainment gaps, exacerbated by poverty and limited digital connectivity, continue to restrict opportunities for young people.

Healthcare Access – Young people in the Highlands face substantial barriers to accessing health services. Long travel distances, insufficient public transport, and a lack of local clinics severely restrict their ability to access essential care. Stigma and limited service availability further discourage access to sexual and reproductive health services, especially for LGBT+ youth.

Support for Young People with Additional Needs – Families face unsustainable challenges in accessing education and care, including traveling long distances for services that are often underfunded or unavailable. These gaps isolate young people and undermine their right to inclusive education and social care.

At Inspiring Young Voices, we are committed to amplifying the voices of young people in the Highlands, ensuring their rights are upheld. To read the full report please visit: https://www.scottishhumanrights.com/publications/