A five-year inquiry into sexual abuse in Australia has released its final report, saying institutions had “seriously failed” to protect children.
The royal commission, Australia’s highest form of public inquiry, heard more than 8,000 testimonies from victims of abuse.
The accusations covered churches, schools and sports clubs over decades.
Among more than 400 recommendations, the report calls on the Catholic Church to overhaul its celibacy rules.
Since 2013, the royal commission has referred more than 2,500 allegations to authorities.
The final report, released today, added 189 recommendations to 220 that had already been made public. The proposals will now be considered by legislators.
According to BBC News, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said “a national tragedy” had been exposed.
