200,000 New Zealanders abused in care of state agencies from 1950 to 1999: inquiry

On Wednesday, New Zealand released the results of its Royal Commission of Inquiry into the abuse suffered by people at the hands of state-run and religious institutions in the country between 1950 and 1999. It found that of the 650,000 children, young people, and adults in care, 200,000 were abused, with even more neglected.

The report urged New Zealand to "urgently fix the 'national disgrace' and 'fully funded failure' that led to pervasive abuse" in the aforementioned settings. Nearly 150 recommendations were set forth to do just that.

According to the findings, while people of all races, sexes, and abilities were abused, rates were higher among those who were "Māori, Pacific Peoples, Deaf and disabled people, neurodiverse people, people who experience mental distress, Takatāpui, [and] Rainbow," as well as women and girls.

The abuse was found to have led to "an intergenerational transfer of inequities" and the formation of many of the country's gangs. Between 1950 and 2019, it caused an estimated $200 billion in economic costs.

"For decades they told us we made it up," survivor Toni Jarvis told SBS News surrounded by those who suffered abuse or some form or another. "They wouldn't have a bar of us, so this today is historic and the acknowledgment acknowledges all these people here, all the courageous survivors that have been strong enough to share their stories and come on board."

While the New Zealand government is set to issue an official apology for the actions of previous officials in November, the report also urged faith leaders such as the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury to apologize for their insititutions' role in the abuse. 

"I cannot take away your pain," Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, "but I can tell you this. Today you are heard and you are believed ... This is a dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand's history." Education Minister Erica Stanford said that over the next few months, the Cabinet will look over the report and take into consideration its 138 recommendations, 95 of which deal with redress.

Image: Title: NZ
ADVERTISEMENT

Opinion

View All

JACK POSOBOEC and PEACHY KEENAN: MAGA is 'still at war' with the deep state regime

"They're not going to let us take our country back, obviously, without a fight."...

'Antisocial' behaviors could merit 2-year prison terms in the UK

"Respect orders will give police and councils the powers they need to crack down on repeated antisoci...

Ukraine's ex-top general claims World War III is already underway

"Missiles of North Korean production are already flying into Ukraine, and they openly declare this. C...

AMI SANCHEZ: How the Left plans to defeat President-elect Trump's agenda

When they have a singular goal, and feel their back is against the wall, they are incredibly discipli...