Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has officially apologized on Monday to victims of child sexual abuse in institutions such as the Catholic Church. The country must recognize the "lost cries of our children" and apologize for it, he said in front of the parliament, in which hundreds of victims and their families had gathered.
Australia "did not listen, did not believe, and did not offer justice for a long time," Morrison said. For decades, as a nation, one has "failed" to protect children from "evil dark crimes".
The abuse was committed by "Australians to Australians," by "enemies of our midst," Morrison said, "day after day, week by week, month by month, year by year, decade by decade," schools, churches , Youth groups, sports clubs and children's homes abuse. "That will be a shame for us forever."
Addressing the victims, Morrison said, "We love you, we listen to you, and we honor you." The prime minister publicly made an apology to the victims, parents, families and even missing informants. The deputies rose after the speech by Morrison (Liberal Party) to a minute's silence.
A five-year investigation by a commission last year found that approximately 60,000 children were estimated to be victims of sexual abuse in Australian institutions and entitled to compensation. The facilities include the Catholic Church. Commissioner Peter McClellan spoke of a "national tragedy" over decades.