Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday formally apologized in parliament to survivors of widespread abuse, torture, and neglect in state and church care. In his statement, Luxon acknowledged the severity of the suffering endured by those in care, describing it as "horrific" and "heartbreaking." According to Anadolu Agency, the formal apology followed a report by the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which highlighted that thousands of people had been abused under care in New Zealand over the past seventy years, labeling it a "national disgrace." The commission's findings, released in July, revealed that at least 200,000 individuals have faced abuse or neglect at the hands of state and faith-based institutions since 1950. The report by Commissioners Judge Coral Shaw, Dr. Andrew Erueti, and Paul Gibson called for significant legal reforms, a comprehensive overhaul of the country's care system, and the urgent implementation of a recommended redress scheme. The commission made 138 recomm endations, including the creation of a specialist investigation unit, an independent Care Safe Agency to oversee the care system, and the establishment of a Care System Office, which would eventually become the Ministry for the Care System. In his address, Luxon emphasized his responsibility as the current prime minister to formally acknowledge the abuse suffered by those in care and to apologize on behalf of the government. The Royal Commission's report had also urged public apologies and accountability from the prime minister and faith leaders.