New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon formally apologized to the country’s parliament Tuesday, Nov. 12, for the widespread abuse, torture and neglect of hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults in state, foster and faith-based care.  It comes after a scathing report released in July detailed seven decades of “unimaginable” abuse, which disproportionately impacted the Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. 

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“Today, I stand before you as the representative of not only this government but of all the governments that have gone before us to offer a formal and unreserved apology for the abuse that you suffered while in state care, churches and other faith-based places,” Luxon said. “For many of you it changed the course of your life, and for that, the government must take responsibility.” 

The report on the six-year investigation called the findings a “national disgrace” and for the first time, New Zealand’s government acknowledged the issues. Luxon said his administration is working on more than two dozen of the 138 recommendations that came from that report.

The prime minister announced $19 million of additional funding for victims through existing compensation systems, and a new system is being designed. He also said there will be a National Remembrance Day on Nov. 12 each year for the victims.