New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, On Tuesday, issued a historic apology to victims of abuse in state care, acknowledging the “unimaginable pain” endured by many within children’s homes and psychiatric hospitals.
A recent public inquiry revealed that approximately 200,000 vulnerable New Zealanders were subjected to abuse over several decades.
The inquiry’s findings were described as an “unthinkable national catastrophe,” detailing instances of sexual abuse by church carers, forced adoptions, and the use of seizure inducing electroconvulsive therapy on patients in psychiatric facilities.
In a heartfelt address delivered to parliament, Prime Minister Luxon expressed regret on behalf of successive governments that ignored the harrowing accounts of abuse.
“I am sorry you were not believed when you came forward to report your abuse,” Luxon stated.
“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,” he added.
Luxon specifically addressed the notorious Lake Alice psychiatric hospital, where patients recalled being unwittingly sterilised, subjected to unethical medical experiments, and punished with electric shocks.
“To those of you who were tortured at Lake Alice.
Young, alone, and subjected to unimaginable pain, i am deeply sorry,” he said.
The inquiry also found that some of the abuse was “overlaid with racism,” particularly targeting Indigenous Māori.
Many survivors have reported ongoing trauma, which has contributed to addiction and other challenges throughout their lives.
Established in 2018, the inquiry has made 233 recommendations, which Luxon’s government has pledged to consider as part of a broader commitment to healing and restitution.
AFP
