The United Nations has recommended the New Zealand government establish an independent commission of inquiry into the abuse of children and adults with disabilities while in state care from 1950 to 1990.
Children were often transferred from one state-run residence to another which had disastrous consequences for their learning prospects. Photo: 123RF
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said it was alarmed by the reports of alleged abuse of children in foster care or state institutions.
Read the full report on the Committee's conclusions: (PDF 206KB)
It acknowledged the government's intention to compensate victims but said this approach fails to expose the systemic problems that may have existed.
It is also concerned Māori children are still more likely to be placed in state care, and the proposal to send young offenders to military style boot camps.
The UN committee also suggest steps need to be taken to reduce the number of Māori and Pasifika children in state care through effective and comprehensive application of the "whānau first" policy.
