After shocking report: New Zealand’s prime minister apologizes to victims of abuse

In July, a commission of inquiry into abuse in nursing homes in New Zealand presented a shocking report after several years of investigations. Now Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has publicly apologized to the victims in Parliament.

According to the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, between 1950 and 1999 around 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were victims of physical and sexual violence in state, and especially religious, care institutions.

This means that almost one in three people under protection suffered some form of abuse. Among other things, we are talking about rape, electric shocks and sterilization. In addition to people with physical and mental disabilities, indigenous Maori were particularly affected. To understand the scale: the country today has just five million inhabitants.

“This is a significant and sad day in New Zealand,” Luxon said. “Today I apologize on behalf of the Government to all those who have suffered abuse, suffering and neglect in care facilities.” He is very sorry that the victims were not initially believed. “I am sorry that many bystanders – staff, volunteers and carers – looked the other way and did not stop or report the abuse.”

Apology demanded from the Pope

The six-year public inquiry is believed to be the largest, longest and most complex ever conducted in New Zealand. The commission collected evidence and statements from more than 2,400 survivors and also made 138 recommendations. Among other things, she called for public apologies from the Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury – the heads of the Catholic and Anglican Churches.

As part of its apology, the New Zealand government will introduce new measures to improve safety in state care and remove monuments honoring proven perpetrators. Luxon had already announced compensation payments in July.