The installation of the plaque fulfils the final recommendation of the inquiry led by retired High Court judge Sir Anthony Hart, which produced its final report in 2017.

The plaque stands as a permanent acknowledgement to the children who suffered abuse in residential institutions over many decades.

The unveiling event on Friday was attended by victims and survivors, representative groups and families of late victims, joined by first minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and the commissioner for survivors of institutional childhood abuse, Fiona Ryan.

In a statement, Ms O’Neill said: “Today we honour the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse and acknowledge the profound wrong done to children who should have been protected and cared for. What happened was never their fault.

“This memorial stands as a permanent acknowledgement of those failures by individuals, organisations and the State, who had a duty to protect children. The wording of the plaque reflects the voices of victims and survivors, whose courage in speaking out made this possible.”

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “Victims and survivors have courageously shared their experiences and brought truth into the open. Their voices have shaped this memorial and continue to guide how we acknowledge the past and protect children today.

“We remember those who did not live to see recognition, and we remain committed to listening to survivors and ensuring their experiences help build a safer future for every child.”