An independent inquiry has found that state and faith-based institutions in New Zealand presided over the abuse of around 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults over several decades.

According to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, nearly one in three people in state or religious care between 1950 and 2019 experienced abuse.

Sexual abuse was “commonplace”, physical abuse was “prevalent across all settings”, and abuse and neglect “almost always” started from the first day a person was placed in care and often continued for the entirety of their stay.

The Commission’s report added that Maori and Pacific Islander people were targeted because of their ethnicity, including being prevented from engaging with their cultural heritage and practices.

It has made more than 130 recommendations, including legislative changes to make it easier to hold abusers accountable and the establishment of a Ministry for Care.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the report marked a “dark and sorrowful day” in the country’s history.