Tue Nov 12 07:36:35 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Prime Minister Apologizes for Decades of Abuse in State Care
**Wellington, New Zealand -** New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a historic apology on Tuesday to victims of abuse within state care institutions, acknowledging the “unthinkable national catastrophe” that spanned seven decades.
A six-year public inquiry revealed that an estimated 200,000 vulnerable New Zealanders, including children and adults, were abused in state-run children’s homes and psychiatric hospitals from the 1950s onwards. The inquiry detailed horrific accounts of sexual abuse, forced adoptions, and harmful medical practices like electroconvulsive therapy.
In a somber address to Parliament, Mr. Luxon expressed deep regret on behalf of successive governments that failed to address the widespread abuse, despite numerous reports. “I am sorry you were not believed when you came forward to report your abuse,” he said. “Some of you may feel my words count for little after so long and so much hurt. But I hope that today, with this apology and the acknowledgement of your burden, it becomes a little lighter for some of you.”
The apology was met with a mix of tears, anger, and relief from survivors who packed the public gallery. While some expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, others criticized the government’s past inaction and demanded accountability.
Mr. Luxon vowed to implement the 233 recommendations outlined by the inquiry, including removing the names of proven perpetrators from public memorials and urging implicated churches to participate in the redress process. He also addressed the notorious Lake Alice psychiatric hospital, where patients were subjected to inhumane treatments, including forced sterilization and electric shock therapy. “To those of you who were tortured at Lake Alice – young, alone, and subjected to unimaginable pain – I am deeply sorry,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the lasting trauma faced by many survivors, including addiction and other mental health issues. The inquiry also found evidence of racism targeting Indigenous Maori within the abuse.
This apology marks a significant step towards addressing a dark chapter in New Zealand’s history. However, the road to healing and justice for survivors is expected to be long and complex.
First Piper 