New Zealand Issues Formal Apology for Abuse in Care Institutions
Acknowledging Decades of Neglect and Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a formal apology to over 200,000 individuals who suffered abuse and neglect in state and faith-based care institutions.
The apology follows a comprehensive report released in July, which detailed systemic abuse from the 1950s onward, chaired by Judge Coral Shaw.
The report is considered the country's most complex royal commission inquiry and described these abuses as a 'national disgrace.' Luxon's apology was delivered on Tuesday in parliament, with survivors present both in the public gallery and at events nationwide.
He cited the widespread abuse, neglect, and cultural disconnection suffered particularly by Māori communities.
Survivors like Tupua Urlich, who attended from Auckland, emphasized the need for systemic change, expressing mistrust in governmental actions without survivor-led reforms.
Luxon committed to action, addressing the inquiry's recommendations with legal changes to better protect those in care, alongside a national remembrance day on November 12.
Chris Hipkins, leader of the opposition, echoed these apologies, and agency heads also confronted their roles during a parliamentary event.
The government's commitment, including progress on 28 of over 200 recommendations, aims to support survivors and prevent future abuse.
The apology follows a comprehensive report released in July, which detailed systemic abuse from the 1950s onward, chaired by Judge Coral Shaw.
The report is considered the country's most complex royal commission inquiry and described these abuses as a 'national disgrace.' Luxon's apology was delivered on Tuesday in parliament, with survivors present both in the public gallery and at events nationwide.
He cited the widespread abuse, neglect, and cultural disconnection suffered particularly by Māori communities.
Survivors like Tupua Urlich, who attended from Auckland, emphasized the need for systemic change, expressing mistrust in governmental actions without survivor-led reforms.
Luxon committed to action, addressing the inquiry's recommendations with legal changes to better protect those in care, alongside a national remembrance day on November 12.
Chris Hipkins, leader of the opposition, echoed these apologies, and agency heads also confronted their roles during a parliamentary event.
The government's commitment, including progress on 28 of over 200 recommendations, aims to support survivors and prevent future abuse.
