Major report finds systemic failures in Northern Ireland mother and baby homes

A major report into mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland has found systemic failures and human rights abuses, detailing the mistreatment of mothers and children. The report, described as the largest collection of lived experience testimony relating to these institutions, was published with the aim of preventing further trauma for the families involved.

The panel, appointed by the devolved government in 2023, found that human rights abuses, degrading treatment and forced separation of families were recurring and frequent in evidence from survivors. An estimated 12,000 women and pregnant girls passed through the institutions, which were largely run by religious orders, thousands more than previously thought.

The report concluded that there were systemic failures on the part of government for failing to have oversight over these institutions. This failure led to abuse, neglect and inadequate care for women and girls, and perpetuated stigma and shame that has continued through their lives. The effects have also been felt by the children, now adults, who were adopted.

Over the course of three years, the panel heard from nearly 300 victims and survivors. One of them, Paul McClary, was taken from his mother in South Belfast when he was 18 days old and never got to meet her because she passed away. McClary also sat on the panel. He said the upcoming public inquiry, confirmed by the Stormont government this week, must deliver specific outcomes: "We need truth and justice. We need the public inquiry to go to places that we couldn't go to because we didn't have the statutory footing to do that and the compulsion needed."

A chairperson for the inquiry has yet to be appointed, something the report authors said they regretted. Victims and survivors will be hoping the inquiry provides the answers they feel they so dearly need.