Geneanet > Resources > Blog > Genealogy News > History

Australia Apologies For Kids Shipped From Britain To Colonies

Posted by admin on Nov 16, 2009

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a historic apology Monday to thousands of impoverished British children shipped to Australia with the promise of a better life. But his government ruled out paying compensation for the abuse and neglect that many suffered.

The British government has estimated 150,000 British children may have been shipped abroad between 1618 and 1967, most from the late 19th century onward. After 1920, most of the children went to Australia through programs run by the government, religious groups and children’s charities.

The programs, which ended 40 years ago, were intended to provide the children with a new start – and the Empire with a supply of sturdy white workers. But many children ended up in institutions where they were physically and sexually abused, or were sent to work as farm laborers.

Source & Full Story

Log in to leave a comment. Sign In / Sign Up