New Zealand Apologizes for Decades of Abuse in State and Religious Care

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued an apology and promised reforms after a public inquiry revealed that 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over 70 years. The report made 138 recommendations, and survivors are likely to receive billions in compensation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered a formal apology and committed to significant reforms on Wednesday following a public inquiry that uncovered systemic abuse of 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults in state and religious care over the past 70 years.

Findings revealed that nearly one-in-three children and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 to 2019 were abused, with the government potentially facing billions in compensation claims. Luxon, terming the day as 'dark and sorrowful,' emphasized that New Zealand must do better.

Survivors and supporters gathered as the report, detailing abuses including rape and electric shocks, was debated in parliament. Calls for public apologies from government and church leaders accompanied recommendations for additional measures to oversee and prevent such abuses in the future.