New Zealand Inquiry Reveals Widespread Institutional Abuse

A recent independent inquiry in New Zealand revealed that approximately 200,000 children and vulnerable adults experienced abuse in state and religious care over the last 70 years, leading Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to apologize and promise reforms. The report criticized government and religious institutions for covering up abuse, stating that many officials were 'oblivious or indifferent' to the harm inflicted on the vulnerable. It recommended 138 actions to address the systemic failures in protecting those in care, while highlighting the lack of progress in providing redress to survivors. This inquiry, deemed the most comprehensive of its kind globally, mirrors similar investigations in countries like Australia and the United States, where widespread abuse in care institutions has been exposed. Notably, the inquiry acknowledged that some historical treatment amounted to torture, marking a significant acknowledgment of past transgressions. The government has pledged to provide information on compensation by the end of the year, although it remains unclear when survivors will see tangible change.