UNITED KINGDOM
BBC News
Former child migrants are to give “very emotional accounts” about the physical and sexual abuse they faced, the first public hearing in the independent inquiry into historical child abuse in England and Wales has been told.
Thousands of British children were sent to Australia and other parts of the British Empire up to 1974.
Inquiry counsel Henrietta Hill QC, said thousands faced “decades of pain”.
Its chairwoman praised the “courage” of those who will give evidence.
The first phase of the inquiry is looking at the way organisations have protected children outside the UK.
It will eventually investigate claims against councils, religious organisations, the armed forces and public and private institutions.
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