Luxon's official apology to survivors followed a comprehensive inquiry revealing decades of mistreatment, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms and restitution measures.
New Zealand Prime Minister Issues Historic Apology for Care Home Abuse
New Zealand Prime Minister Issues Historic Apology for Care Home Abuse
In a groundbreaking move, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed deep regret for past atrocities in care homes, addressing abuse affecting vulnerable populations.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made a poignant apology in parliament to the victims of abuse in care homes, as the nation grapples with the fallout from one of its most significant abuse scandals. This historic apology comes after a detailed report unveiled that close to 200,000 children and vulnerable adults had endured various forms of abuse in state and faith-based care systems between 1950 and 2019. Many of these individuals hailed from Māori and Pacific communities, as well as those with disabilities.
“I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments,” Luxon said during Tuesday's parliamentary session. “It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.” He recognized the profound impacts of these abuses, stating, “For many of you, it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility.”
The six-year inquiry, which Luxon described as the largest public investigation in New Zealand’s history, involved over 2,300 personal testimonies from survivors detailing a wide array of abuses, including rape and forced labor. The report underscored that faith-based institutions frequently exhibited higher instances of sexual abuse than their state counterparts. It also highlighted efforts by civil and religious leaders to obscure the truth through relocation of abusers and denial of responsibility, leaving many victims without justice during their lifetimes.
While the apology brought some relief to survivors, advocates underscored the necessity for tangible actions accompanying these words. Tupua Urlich, a Māori survivor who shared his experiences in the inquiry, remarked, "Justice? No, not yet... These words are nothing unless they're followed by action." He emphasized the need for a restitution plan, which is anticipated to be revealed in early 2024.
In response to the report, the government has pledged NZ$32 million ($19 million) in additional funding to the current care system while addressing 28 of the over 100 recommendations from the inquiry. Measures include the prohibition of strip searches and stricter regulations on personnel working with children. Additionally, Luxon announced the establishment of National Remembrance Day on November 12, 2024, to acknowledge the victims of care home abuse.
“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs," Luxon stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society.
“I make this apology to all survivors on behalf of my own and previous governments,” Luxon said during Tuesday's parliamentary session. “It was horrific. It was heartbreaking. It was wrong. And it should never have happened.” He recognized the profound impacts of these abuses, stating, “For many of you, it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility.”
The six-year inquiry, which Luxon described as the largest public investigation in New Zealand’s history, involved over 2,300 personal testimonies from survivors detailing a wide array of abuses, including rape and forced labor. The report underscored that faith-based institutions frequently exhibited higher instances of sexual abuse than their state counterparts. It also highlighted efforts by civil and religious leaders to obscure the truth through relocation of abusers and denial of responsibility, leaving many victims without justice during their lifetimes.
While the apology brought some relief to survivors, advocates underscored the necessity for tangible actions accompanying these words. Tupua Urlich, a Māori survivor who shared his experiences in the inquiry, remarked, "Justice? No, not yet... These words are nothing unless they're followed by action." He emphasized the need for a restitution plan, which is anticipated to be revealed in early 2024.
In response to the report, the government has pledged NZ$32 million ($19 million) in additional funding to the current care system while addressing 28 of the over 100 recommendations from the inquiry. Measures include the prohibition of strip searches and stricter regulations on personnel working with children. Additionally, Luxon announced the establishment of National Remembrance Day on November 12, 2024, to acknowledge the victims of care home abuse.
“It is on all of us to do all we can to ensure that abuse that should never have been accepted, no longer occurs," Luxon stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility for safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society.
