Genuine apologies are an expression of regret and repentance on the part of the person who has acted wrongly. However, in some recent cases government ministers have apologised for unjust policies of previous governments, in which they personally played no part; some of these actions occurred before the person apologising was even born. Apologies for offensive comments or language are sometimes expressed in terms which suggest that the fault lies with those who are offended: 'I am sorry if anyone was offended by what I said.' Some people – especially children – apologise because they are being forced to do so by someone in a position of power over them, such as a parent.