A wide-ranging independent inquiry into abuse of children and vulnerable adults over five decades in New Zealand has released a blistering final report, finding that state agencies and churches failed to prevent, stop, or admit to abuse.
A groundbreaking inquiry has exposed a harrowing truth: New Zealand's state agencies and churches have failed to protect vulnerable children and adults in their care over five decades. The Royal Commission of Inquiry released its final report on Wednesday, revealing a staggering scale of abuse that has left an indelible scar on the nation.
Estimated to have affected a staggering 200,000 individuals between 1950 and 2019, the abuse ranged from physical and sexual violence to psychological torment and neglect. The report paints a damning portrait of institutional failures, with lax scrutiny of care facilities and rare repercussions for predators.
New Zealand Government Apologizes for Decades of Abuse in State Care
Lax scrutiny and indifference to abuse allegations allowed predators to operate with impunity, leaving a trail of shattered lives in their wake. The report emphasizes the systemic nature of the abuse, with officials prioritizing institutional reputations over child protection.
The inquiry's findings have sent shockwaves through New Zealand, prompting the government to acknowledge the historical treatment of children in a state-run hospital as torture. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pledged an apology to all victims of abuse in state, foster, and religious care since 1950. However, questions remain about the level of compensation and accountability for those responsible.
New Zealand Government Apologizes for Decades of Abuse in State Care
The report exposes a shameful chapter in New Zealand's history, highlighting the plight of marginalized communities. Indigenous Māori children were disproportionately targeted for placement in harsh facilities, enduring even more severe abuse.
The inquiry's financial assessment estimates the average cost of abuse in a survivor's lifetime at $508,000. Despite this, victims have faced significant barriers to seeking justice and redress under New Zealand law.
Survivors and advocates have condemned the government's slow response to the inquiry's interim recommendations. They demand immediate action on redress to demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the legacy of abuse.
Prime Minister Luxon has pledged a formal apology to survivors on November 12, but survivors remain skeptical, urging the government to take tangible steps to heal the wounds of the past.
The report also calls for investigations into priests from a Catholic order sent to Papua New Guinea to avoid abuse accusations in Australia and New Zealand.
The inquiry's findings serve as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that can occur when children are placed in the care of institutions. New Zealand's government faces a daunting task in addressing the legacy of abuse, ensuring that future generations are protected and that victims receive the justice and support they deserve.
