Nicola Sturgeon has slammed the UK's asylum system as "broken" and called for wholesale reform of the way refugees are looked after by the state.
It follows the tragic death in Glasgow of Mercy Baguma, a mother of one, who was found dead on Saturday.
Investigations into the death are continuing but it is thought Mercy had applied for asylum in the UK.
Glasgow is the only dispersal city in Scotland for asylum seekers, but the local council has no control over the system as it remains reserved to the UK Government.
Speaking at the weekly session of First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, Scottish Greens co-leader Alison Johnstone claimed the "appalling tragedy" happened as a "direct result of UK Government asylum policy which forced Mercy into extreme poverty".
She added: "We cannot allow mothers and babies to go hungry in 21st century Scotland. I know the Home Office is responsible in this case, but we cannot simply stand by. What will the First Minister do to ensure this tragedy isn't repeated?"
Sturgeon responded: "Like most people across this country I find myself consumed with sadness but also with real anger at the death of Mercy Baguma.
"The exact circumstances of her death are not yet known - I think it's important to be clear about that. I certainly support all efforts to establish the facts of this tragic case.
"But what I think we can all say is - and we knew this before this tragedy - is the UK asylum system is broken. It is deeply inhumane and it must be changed.
"People come to Scotland because they need a place of safety and should have our support - that is even more true at this time of crisis.
"Asylum is wholly reserved to the UK Government and that includes procurement of asylum accomodation.
"We have repeatedly raised concerns with the Home Office over accommodation for asylum seekers, both before and during the pandemic.
"We need wholesale reform of our asylum system."
The Record has asked the Home Office for comment.
