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Luxon faces significant pressure to implement the remaining recommendations of the inquiry and to provide concrete financial redress to survivors. Many advocates and survivors believe that an apology alone is insufficient to address the deep, lasting harm caused by years of systemic abuse and neglect.
There is a widespread sentiment among survivors that the full extent of the abuse has not been acknowledged and that more needs to be done to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. For many, the trauma of their experiences in state and church care continues to impact their lives to this day.
In the wake of the inquiry’s findings, there has been a growing call for systemic change to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future. This includes reforming child welfare systems, revising laws to better protect vulnerable individuals, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
The New Zealand government must now demonstrate a commitment to addressing the recommendations of the inquiry and providing survivors with the justice and support they deserve. This includes implementing a comprehensive redress scheme, ensuring that financial compensation is provided to those who suffered abuse, and taking steps to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
Luxon and his government have a responsibility to show that they are truly committed to righting the wrongs of the past and creating a safer, more just society for all New Zealanders. Survivors of abuse in state and church care have waited too long for justice and recognition – it is time for action.
As the country grapples with the legacy of abuse and neglect in its institutions, it is crucial that the voices of survivors are heard and their experiences are acknowledged. The apology issued by Luxon in Parliament is a significant step towards healing and reconciliation, but it must be followed by meaningful action to address the deep-rooted issues that have enabled such abuse to occur.
New Zealand has a long road ahead in confronting its history of abuse and neglect in state and church care, but with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice, the country can begin to move forward towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
