In a historic address on Tuesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered a heartfelt apology to victims of abuse in care homes, marking a significant moment following a comprehensive inquiry that uncovered widespread mistreatment of vulnerable populations. The inquiry revealed that from 1950 to 2019, around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults suffered various forms of abuse while under state and faith-based care, a situation disproportionately affecting Māori, Pacific communities, and those with disabilities.
New Zealand Prime Minister Issues Formal Apology for Historical Care Home Abuse
New Zealand Prime Minister Issues Formal Apology for Historical Care Home Abuse
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expresses regret in parliament for the systemic abuse of 200,000 individuals in care, pledges reform to the system.
Luxon's impassioned apology in parliament acknowledged the pain experienced by survivors, who had endured horrific acts such as rape and forced sterilization. The inquiry, described as the most complex public investigation in New Zealand’s history, also highlighted a troubling trend where faith-based institutions had higher abuse rates than their state counterparts. Many abusers were shielded by influential leaders who sought to cover up abuses rather than expose them.
During the session, 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.” The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of accountability from the government for the lasting impact of these abuses on survivors' lives. A total of over 100 recommendations arose from the inquiry, including public apologies and legislation to ensure appropriate handling of suspected abuse cases. The government has committed to address 28 recommendations while announcing a National Remembrance Day to honor survivors of care home abuse on November 12 next year.
In a poignant closing remark, Luxon affirmed the collective responsibility: “It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs.” With almost one-third of individuals in New Zealand’s care system reporting abuse, this apology and ongoing reform initiatives aim to bring necessary changes to prevent history from repeating itself.
During the session, 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.” The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of accountability from the government for the lasting impact of these abuses on survivors' lives. A total of over 100 recommendations arose from the inquiry, including public apologies and legislation to ensure appropriate handling of suspected abuse cases. The government has committed to address 28 recommendations while announcing a National Remembrance Day to honor survivors of care home abuse on November 12 next year.
In a poignant closing remark, Luxon affirmed the collective responsibility: “It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs.” With almost one-third of individuals in New Zealand’s care system reporting abuse, this apology and ongoing reform initiatives aim to bring necessary changes to prevent history from repeating itself.
