Survivors of abuse in care call on Government to ‘honour the promise’

Survivors of abuse in care have delivered a bouquet of flowers to Parliament as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to survivors.

The act comes two years after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care released its findings. The Whanaketia report confirmed more than 200,000 children and vulnerable adults suffered abuse, neglect, violence, sexual assault and torture in state and faith-based care between 1950 and 1999.

On July 22, survivors of abuse in care, alongside Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, delivered the flowers to minister Erica Stanford and MPs from across the political spectrum.

The bouquet, which was carried through Wellington to the steps of Parliament, acts as a symbol of both strength and trauma.

It had been collected from sites of state and faith-based abuse across the country, and included flowers from the former facilities of Ōwairaka Boys’ Home, Porirua Psychiatric Hospital and Marylands School in Christchurch.

Reminder of responsibility

In its national apology, the Government promised to act on the 233 recommendations needed to transform Aotearoa’s care system. Despite this, fewer than 10 percent have been fully committed to – a failure that was made impossible to ignore, with the bouquet wrapped in cloth printed with every recommendation.

“Many survivors have waited too long for justice. The recommendations provide a clear and achievable roadmap for redress, and ensure such abuse does not happen again,” says Human Rights Commission tatau-uruora (chief executive) Meg de Ronde.

With all of New Zealand’s major media organisations in attendance, this event served as a platform for survivors to be heard once more and called for Aotearoa’s leaders to honour their promise.

Honour the promise

The event’s clear message, ‘Honour the promise’ has been reinforced by a nationwide campaign created by agency Daylight, including out of home placements that surround the Beehive, and a film series led by survivors.

Daylight executive creative director Charlie Godinet says: “A promise is just words without action, and as a nation we must hold those in power to account. I would like to acknowledge all the mōrehu who trusted us with this kaupapa. We stand with you.”

The public are being urged to show their support for the survivors of abuse in care by sending a reminder to their local MP. People can also find more information and can download the campaign toolkit at the Honour the promise website.