New Zealand Issues Historic Apology for Decades of Abuse

New Zealand's government has issued a national apology to survivors and victims of institutional abuse spanning 70 years. A public inquiry revealed widespread abuse involving 200,000 children and vulnerable adults in state and faith-based care. The government plans legislative changes and compensation.

New Zealand's government announced a historic apology on Tuesday, addressing the harrowing legacy of institutional abuse over seven decades. This rare national apology was directed at the victims and their families who suffered at the hands of state and faith-based care systems.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged the gravity of the abuse, calling it 'horrific,' and promised governmental reforms. This followed a comprehensive report from a public inquiry earlier this year, which revealed extensive abuse impacting some 200,000 individuals in care.

A bill proposing new safety measures for state care had its first reading in parliament. Luxon projected potential compensation costs reaching billions, while the inquiry urged public apologies from religious leaders and major legislative reforms for prevention and accountability.

(With inputs from agencies.)