New Zealand Faces Reckoning: PM Luxon Apologizes After Report Unveils Decades of Abuse

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued an apology following a public inquiry report revealing systematic abuse of around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults in state and religious care over the past 70 years. The report highlights shocking abuses and calls for comprehensive reforms and compensations.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued an apology and pledged extensive reforms on Wednesday after a public inquiry uncovered that approximately 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the past 70 years.

The inquiry's findings revealed that nearly one in three individuals in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced abuse, leading to potential compensation claims amounting to billions of dollars. Luxon described the situation as a 'dark and sorrowful day' for New Zealand and committed to ensuring improvements. An official apology is scheduled for Nov. 12.

Parliament witnessed emotional scenes as survivors and their supporters attended the debate of the report, which outlined abuses ranging from rape to electric shocks, particularly affecting the Indigenous Maori community. Faith leaders were found to have moved abusers to other locations, obstructing justice for many victims.

The report, by the Royal Commission of Inquiry, also recommended 138 measures, including public apologies from the government, the Pope, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Catholic and Anglican churches in New Zealand have expressed their acknowledgement and responsibility for the failures exposed. The inquiry also suggested setting up a Care Safe Agency and mandating the reporting of suspected abuse.