New Zealand's Prime Minister Apologizes for Decades of Abuse

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon issued a heartfelt apology in Parliament on Tuesday for decades of abuse encountered by an estimated 200,000 individuals in state, foster, and faith-based care. Addressing a gallery of survivors, Luxon lamented the horrific experiences, stating, "For many of you it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility." This apology marks a crucial response to a thorough investigation revealing unimaginable abuse disproportionately affecting Maori, New Zealand's Indigenous people, over seven decades.

The inquiry, concluded in July, highlighted a deeply troubling history, qualifying the findings as a "national disgrace." Luxon's government has begun to address 28 of the inquiry's 138 recommendations, though specifics on financial reparations remain undeclared. Criticism arose as survivors voiced dissatisfaction with the absence of a compensation plan, while Luxon promised a redress system by 2025. The report severely chastised prior administrations for deliberately ignoring known abuses and abusers.

Survivors filled the Parliament gallery, some expressing distrust towards the government's acknowledgment process. Opposition leader Chris Hipkins emphasized the incomplete nature of historical records, which complicates understanding the true extent of the abuse. Survivors, like Fa'afete Taito, stressed the need for actions beyond mere apologies, advocating for measures to foster healing and prevention. The inquiry recommended pursuing further accountability, including apologies from church leaders and reforming the legal and welfare systems. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)