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The leader of New Zealand has issued a formal apology to survivors of abuse in state and church care, marking a historic moment in the nation’s history. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a heartfelt and sincere apology in Parliament, acknowledging the pervasive abuse, torture, and neglect suffered by hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable individuals in care.
The apology came after the release of a damning report in July, which revealed the unimaginable extent of abuse experienced by an estimated 200,000 individuals in state, foster, and faith-based care over a span of seven decades. The victims, predominantly from the Indigenous Māori population of New Zealand, were subjected to heinous neglect, abuse, and in some cases, torture.
Luxon expressed deep remorse for the government’s failure to protect vulnerable individuals in state-run institutions, hospitals, residential schools, foster care, and church care. He acknowledged that these individuals should have been treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, but instead, they endured unspeakable suffering at the hands of those entrusted to care for them.
The report of the extensive six-year inquiry, considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind globally, labeled the findings as a national disgrace. It reflected a pattern of systemic abuse and neglect that persisted for decades, leaving lasting scars on the lives of survivors.
The acknowledgment of historical treatment amounting to torture in a notorious state-run hospital was a significant step in rectifying past wrongs. The government’s admission of past failures and recognition of the need for redress signify a commitment to accountability and justice for survivors.
Despite ongoing criticism from survivors and advocates for transparency in compensation plans, Luxon stated that his government was working to address the recommendations outlined in the inquiry report. While concrete details on financial redress were not provided, Luxon assured that a unified redress system would be established by 2025.
Survivors who gathered in Parliament ahead of the apology expressed mixed emotions, ranging from skepticism to hope for meaningful change. They emphasized the need for sincere action to address the consequences of past abuses and prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.
Luxon’s refusal to terminate public servants or ministers who denied the existence of state abuse in previous administrations sparked further debate. Critics pointed to policies that disproportionately impact Māori, such as military-style boot camps for juvenile offenders and crackdowns on gangs, as contradictory to the government’s expressed remorse.
Former gang member Fa’afete Taito underscored the importance of meaningful actions to address the root causes of abuse and prevent its recurrence. He stressed the need for accountability and genuine efforts to redress the injustices suffered by survivors.
As New Zealand grapples with its dark history of abuse in state and church care, the government’s apology marks a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation. The path forward will require a commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful redress for survivors, ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never repeated.
