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flag New Zealand compensated 37 survivors of abuse at Lake Alice psychiatric hospital with up to $600,000 each, acknowledging torture under UN standards.

flag New Zealand has paid 37 survivors of abuse at the Lake Alice psychiatric hospital’s child unit between 1972 and 1978, with individual compensation ranging from $160,000 to $600,000, following a government acknowledgment of torture. flag Payments were determined by independent arbiter Paul Davison KC under an $8.39 million fund, with most recipients receiving between $175,000 and $250,000. flag The government formally recognized the abuse in line with the UN Convention Against Torture, offering personalized apologies and support services. flag As of November 20, 2025, 29 individual payments and 103 expedited payments had been made. flag Survivors had endured electroconvulsive therapy without anesthesia, paraldehyde injections, solitary confinement, and sexual abuse despite often having no mental illness. flag The government stated no payment can undo the harm, but the process reflects accountability and recognition.

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