In a historic apology delivered in parliament, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has addressed the victims of abuse in care homes, acknowledging the suffering of approximately 200,000 individuals from 1950 to 2019, alongside a commitment to reform the care system and establish a National Remembrance Day.
New Zealand Government Takes Responsibility for Historical Care Home Abuses
New Zealand Government Takes Responsibility for Historical Care Home Abuses
PM Christopher Luxon issues heartfelt apology and promises reforms after comprehensive inquiry into abuse scandals.
New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, formally expressed regret in parliament for the abuse suffered by individuals in care homes, following a significant inquiry into one of the nation’s largest abuse scandals. This extraordinary apology comes in the wake of a damning report revealing that from 1950 to 2019, around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults experienced abuse within state and faith-based care facilities, with a substantial number hailing from Māori and Pacific communities, along with those living with mental or physical disabilities.
In his remarks, Luxon stated, “I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments. It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.” He acknowledged the traumatic impact this abuse had on countless individuals, emphasizing the need for governmental accountability.
The inquiry, dubbed the largest public investigation ever undertaken in New Zealand, spanned six years and involved thousands of survivor testimonies. The findings detailed a spectrum of abuses, including rape, sterilization, and forced labor. Alarmingly, the report highlighted that faith-based institutions often recorded higher rates of sexual abuse compared to state-run facilities. It accused civic and religious leaders of concealing abuse by relocating offenders and denying responsibility, leaving many victims without justice during their lifetimes.
The inquiry issued over 100 recommendations, calling for public apologies from authorities and religious leaders and advocating for legislation requiring the reporting of suspected abuse cases. Luxon confirmed the government's progress on 28 of these recommendations, specifying that a comprehensive governmental response would follow in the upcoming year. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a National Remembrance Day, designated for November 12 next year, to commemorate the anniversary of the apology.
“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted no longer occurs,” Luxon affirmed, as the government prepares to take significant steps toward meaningful care system reforms in the future.
In his remarks, Luxon stated, “I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments. It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.” He acknowledged the traumatic impact this abuse had on countless individuals, emphasizing the need for governmental accountability.
The inquiry, dubbed the largest public investigation ever undertaken in New Zealand, spanned six years and involved thousands of survivor testimonies. The findings detailed a spectrum of abuses, including rape, sterilization, and forced labor. Alarmingly, the report highlighted that faith-based institutions often recorded higher rates of sexual abuse compared to state-run facilities. It accused civic and religious leaders of concealing abuse by relocating offenders and denying responsibility, leaving many victims without justice during their lifetimes.
The inquiry issued over 100 recommendations, calling for public apologies from authorities and religious leaders and advocating for legislation requiring the reporting of suspected abuse cases. Luxon confirmed the government's progress on 28 of these recommendations, specifying that a comprehensive governmental response would follow in the upcoming year. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a National Remembrance Day, designated for November 12 next year, to commemorate the anniversary of the apology.
“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted no longer occurs,” Luxon affirmed, as the government prepares to take significant steps toward meaningful care system reforms in the future.
