This morning in Auckland, Dame Cindy spoke at the Service of Commemoration marking 30 years since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. In just 100 days, an estimated one million Rwandans, nearly all Tutsi, were killed. The service was attended by Hon Andrew Bayly, His Excellency Mr Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Rwandan High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr Colin Keating, Former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, as well as many members of the Rwandan community in New Zealand.
In her speech, Dame Cindy spoke of the unthinkable events of the Genocide, and the importance of learning the lessons of our past: 'At this moment in our history, where we see so much of the suffering and despair of innocent people in the world around us, we do well to remember this lesson. We must compel ourselves not to turn away from the suffering of others, but to do all we can to encourage understanding, reconciliation, and peace – and to deal with one another with generosity and compassion.'
You can find more images from the service in the image gallery and read Dame Cindy's full speech via Her Excellency's speech.