A major assessment of access to human rights in the Scottish Highlands & Islands has included a focus on funeral poverty, following efforts from the QSA Down to Earth team and their partners.
The ‘Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Highlands and Islands (November 2024)’ report by the Scottish Human Rights Commission noted that:
‘Funeral costs in the Highlands and Islands are prohibitive, often exceeding £7,000, with families unable to afford culturally significant aspects like flowers or funeral teas.
This lack of resources limits the ability of families to say a dignified goodbye, eroding cultural norms and placing emotional and financial stress on already vulnerable households.’
(p.71)
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) exists to promote and protect human rights in Scotland. Lindesay Mace from Down to Earth participated in the consultation for the SHRC report and invited our Scottish partners, Caledonia Funeral Aid, to join her in the process.
During the consultation they connected with Dr Luis F. Yanes, Legal Policy Development Officer at SHRC, and brought attention to funeral poverty as a human rights issue. Dr Yanes acknowledged its significance, and funeral poverty is now included within the focus of the SHRC’s work.
Many local residents also spoke to the SHRC about the issue and we want to pay tribute to everyone involved.
We hope that the growing recognition of funeral poverty will pave the way for meaningful change in the future.
Down to Earth is the only UK-wide support service for people facing funeral poverty.
Calls to our helpline increased by 63% last year and over 45,000 people accessed our online resources. Many contact us in a state of grief and distress, compounded by anxiety over the costs of a funeral for a family member or friend.
On average, our support helps clients raise £2,491 after a bereavement.