Rape, babies taken from families, electro-convulsive therapy as punishment and LSD experimentation are among the abuse that's alleged to have happened in state care from the 1950s to the 90s.

The Human Rights Commission's calling for an independent inquiry into the claims of sexual and physical abuse of children in state care during that period.

An open letter's been signed by 29 prominent Kiwis who agree the Government let down those who were abused.

Disability Rights Commissioner Paul Gibson signed it and told Mike Hosking there needs to be an apology, not just for the perpetrators' actions but for the Government's systemic failures.

"And we want to see the people who are still alive today supported. Also that we would want to learn so that nothing like this ever happens again."

Mr Gibson said the abuse included rape and babies being taken from their families.

"And living lives with no family. Lonely lives devoid of any love. It's about ECT [Electro-Convulsive Therapy] being used as punishment, LSD experimentation."