Restorative Justice Week 2025 Newsflash Special Edition

November 2025 - Special Restorative Justice Week Edition

Restorative Justice Week is On!

Join the international Restorative Justice Week campaign is happening this week under the theme "Embedding Restorative Justice in the Human Rights"! On this week we call for recognising restorative justice as a means to uphold human rights and the recognition of access to restorative justice as an inherent component of existing justice human rights. What can you do? Join the online and offline campaign by attending events, sharing messages, talking to stakeholders and letting them know why access to restorative justice matters! You will find resources and campaign materials on our dedicated webpage! Stay tuned for the Manifesto tomorrow, sign it and share in your network!

In this special edition of our Newsflash we offer a snippet of Restorative Justice Week events organised around the world! Browse our webpage for more! The events address affected people, practitioners, as well as the general public - there is something for everyone! Additionally, accessibility to events is not limited to location, as many events will be taking place online. Read on to discover more about all the exciting events taking place in the next week!

Discover even more #RJWeek events!

Manifesto Pre-Launch Call

Tomorrow, on Tuesday, 18th of November check your inbox! The Manifesto for For Restorative Justice and Human Rights will be launched and will we share it on this channel as well. With more than 30 organisations from around the world as well as individual promotors among the signatories at its launch, this document will certainly be a strong unified voice calling for“recognition of restorative justice as a means to uphold human rights, and for the recognition of access to restorative justice as an inherent component of existing justice-related human rights." Once shared publicly we invite further individuals and organisations alike to sign the Manifesto and share it across their communication channels to promote collective action and support the integration of restorative justice into the international human rights frameworks. The Manifesto will be relaunched again (with the additional signatures) on the 10th of December, the International Human Rights Day.

In-Person Events

France - Film Screening of "La Réparation" (20th Nov.)

Join a public screening and discussion of La Réparation, a documentary by Isabelle Vayron and Chloé Henry-Biabaud exploring restorative justice through a real-life case. Organised by L’Esperluette, the event will feature discussions led by a regional representative of the French Institute for Restorative Justice and one of the film’s co-directors. Participants will also be invited to join a new local practice and research group on restorative systems and circles in Libourne, following the model previously established in Bordeaux. For more information about the event, please contact walter.acchiardi@live.fr.

📍Libourne (France), 20th November 2025

Italy - We Imagine Restorative Cities (22nd Nov.)

On the occasion of its twentieth anniversary, the InContra Association invites participants to a day of dialogue, research, and co-planning dedicated to exploring restorative justice and its potential to shape communities founded on trust and connection. Together, participants will contribute to the creation of the Manifesto for the Restorative City, a collective initiative defining shared visions and a commitment to building participatory and supportive community practices. The event aims to bring together citizens, experts and institutions in a collaborative and hopeful space. You can register here or alternatively, contact barbara.musso@centroincontra.it.

📍San Paolo d'Argon (Italy), 22nd November 2025

Spain

Cross-Country VicTory Cooperation Seminar (18th Nov.)

As part of the VicTory Project ''Restorative and victim-centred approach to mitigate hate and (violent) extremism”, this international seminar in Bilbao will bring together 36 participants from five European countries to discuss restorative responses to the harm caused by hate crimes and extremism. Organised by the Ombudsman (Ararteko) in collaboration with the VicTory transnational initiative, the event will gather representatives from security forces, justice professionals, and civil society organisations to share findings from national workshops and strengthen protection and support for victims. Learn more about the event here!

📍Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain), 18th November 2025

Victimological Encounter (18th Nov.)

This event marks the 40th anniversary of the 1985 UN Declaration on Victims’ Rights. Invited speakers will address topics including gender-based violence and secondary victimisation on campus and within the justice system, sexual abuse in the Church, and abuses of power in migration policies. Within these contexts, the potential of restorative justice will be explored as a means to advance victims’ rights as interdependent and indivisible human rights. This Spanish-language event is open to students, professionals and the public. For more information, please contact gemmamaria.varona@ehu.eus.

📍Donostia / San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa, Spain), 18th November 2025

Conference on Restorative Justice: The dialogue between victim and offender (19th Nov.)

This event will focus on the application of restorative justice in cases of serious crime. It will open with a screening of the documentary “Rencontre avec Mon Agresseur (Meeting with My Attacker)”, directed by Maiana Bidegain and Sébastien Koegler, followed by an open discussion with co-director and main protagonist Maiana Bidegain, restorative process facilitator Noémie Micoulet, and professionals from Catalonia’s restorative justice teams. To register, please visit the website of the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training, and for more information, please contact mferrerp@gencat.cat.

📍Barcelona (Spain), 19th November 2025

Toward a Trauma-Informed Restorative Culture/Practices (22nd Nov.)

Celebrating International Restorative Justice Week, this bilingual (Catalan/English) event in Barcelona will bring together social workers, educators, mediators, and facilitators to explore trauma-informed restorative practices. Organised by Cultura Restaurativa Relacional SCCL, the day will feature approaches by Belinda Hopkins, Margaret Thorsborne, and Joe Brummer, showcase ongoing restorative initiatives across Catalonia, and create space for collective knowledge-sharing and networking. Participants will gain practical insights to apply restorative principles in their communities and professional practice. Learn more about the event here, and for more information, contact info@culturarestaurativa.com.

📍Barcelona (Spain), 22nd November 2025

Germany

Film Screening “I Did Not See You” (18th Nov.)

This acclaimed German-language film follows three restorative justice practitioners in France. Two facilitate meetings between victims and prisoners, while the third mediates between a woman and her brother who had sexually assaulted her as a child. The film combines moving performances by French actors with a well-crafted screenplay and will be followed by a discussion in German with restorative justice expert Rehzi Malzahn. For registration and more information, visit here.

📍Köln (Germany), 18th November 2025

Film Screening “All Eure Gesichter” (23rd Nov.)

This documentary follows several people in Switzerland seeking trauma-informed reparation and accountability through restorative justice. The film is in French and German with German subtitles and will be followed by a discussion in German with restorative justice expert Rehzi Malzahn. For registration and more information, visit here.

📍Köln (Germany), 23rd November 2025

Auf dem Weg zu Restorativen Begegnungen (On the Way to Restorative Encounters) (24th Nov.)

Freie Hilfe Berlin e.V. and Opferhilfe Berlin e.V. are exploring new ways of dealing with conflicts and rule violations through their restorative justice project RAUM. The project creates spaces where people affected by a crime and those convicted of similar offences can meet, take responsibility, and experience a different form of justice. During the symposium, organisers will share general insights on restorative justice, present the RAUM project and best practices, and invite your questions and perspectives. The event is open to the networks of both organisations and anyone interested in restorative approaches. The symposium will be held in German; for registration and more information, please contact groos@operhilfe-berlin.de or register here.

📍Berlin (Germany), 24th November 2025

Slovakia

Restorative Practice in the Re-education Process (20th Nov.)

The Ministry of Justice invites educators and practitioners to a Slovak-language workshop at the University of Presov, Faculty of Education, on the 20th November 2025. The session will explore how restorative practices can support re-education, offering practical approaches for educational and rehabilitative settings. Participants will leave with actionable insights to apply restorative principles in their professional practice. For more information, please contact anna.semanova@justice.sk.

📍Prešov (Slovakia), 20th November 2025

Justice That Connects (19th Nov.)

Clients of the Drug Addiction Treatment Center are invited to a Slovak-language lecture on the 19th of November 2025 exploring justice that emphasises repairing relationships rather than isolating offenders. The session explores a form of justice that does not isolate people who have committed crimes but instead supports them in repairing the relationships harmed by their actions. For more information, please contact anna.semanova@justice.sk.

📍Bratislava (Slovakia), 19th November 2025

Short Film Screening & Discussion: Restorative Justice at the Film Festival of Diversity (21st Nov.)

ReStart (o.z.) presents Friendship After Death, a Slovak-language short documentary examining a restorative dialogue between a hate crime offender and the victim’s family, on the 21st of November 2025. After the screening, there will be a discussion with Tomáš Horeháj, chairman of ReStart and a leading voice on restorative justice in Slovakia. Click here for the link to registration, and for more information, please contact thorehaj@gmail.com.

📍Bratislava (Slovakia), 21st November 2025

Belgium

Film Screening: "Promising Young Woman" (18th Nov.)

Kortrijk Restorative City will host a screening of Promising Young Woman (English with Dutch subtitles) on the 18th of November 2025, followed by an interactive conversation exploring victims, offenders, justice, and possibilities for restoration. To register, please follow this link!

📍Kortrijk (Belgium), 18th November 2025

Safe Spaces, Brave Spaces – The Voice of Youth on a Safer City (18th Nov.)

Young people aged 16-20 are invited to Muziekcentrum Track in Kortrijk to share their perspectives on safety in the city and in schools. Public discussions often speak about young people in negative terms, yet rarely listen to them directly. This Dutch-language gathering emphasises listening to youth, exploring what makes spaces feel safe, and discussing practical solutions that work.

📍Kortrijk (Belgium), 18th November 2025

Conference: From Connection to Safety – The Impact of Restorative Practices on the Sense of (un)Safety (20th Nov.)

On the 20th of November 2025, Moderator vzw and Kortrijk Restorative City will host a Dutch-language conference exploring how restorative practices can strengthen safety, trust, and connection across neighbourhoods, schools, justice systems, and wider society. The day offers interaction, reflection, and inspiration, grounded in the belief that safety grows where people feel seen, heard, and connected. Click here to register, and for more information, please contact pieter.verbeeck@moderator.be.

📍Kortrijk (Belgium), 20th November 2025

United Kingdom

Restorative Justice in Scotland: A Day of Reflection, Learning and Action (18th Nov.)

The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, brings together leaders and stakeholders across Scotland on the 18th of November 2025 to reflect on progress, share learning, and co-create next steps for making restorative justice accessible, particularly for children and young people. Registration is now full, but questions can be directed to lauren.emmerson@strath.ac.uk or pamela.i.morrison@strath.ac.uk.

📍Glasgow (Scotland), 18th November 2025

Songs of Community and Peace (21st Nov.)

The Mint House (Oxford Centre for Restorative Practice) invites you to enjoy a lunchtime celebration of restorative justice on the 21st of November 2025! Local artists will perform music to honour community, connection, and peace. Bring your own lunch and enjoy the melodies! Donations are welcome, and no booking is required. To register, click the link here, and for more information, please contact joy@minthouseoxford.co.uk.

📍Oxford (England), 21st November 2025

Denmark

Meeting the Man Who Killed My Father (17th Nov.)

Foreningen for genoprettende ret og praksis and Konfliktråd will host an in-person Danish-language interview with Michelle on the 17th of November 2025, reflecting on her experience meeting the man who killed her father. This rare conversation provides a personal insight into restorative justice. The event is open to all, subject to available seating. For more information, please contact info@genoprettenderet.dk.

📍Copenhagen (Denmark), 17th November 2025

Restorative Practices in Self-Organised Community Spaces (18th Nov.)

Di Ponti invites participants to an English-language gathering on the 18th of November 2025, exploring how communities can handle conflict constructively. The session reflects on restorative practices in self-organized spaces and encourages discussion on building systems of repair beyond blame and punishment. To register, please click this link, and for more information, please contact di@pontiprocesses.work.

📍Copenhagen (Denmark), 18th November 2025

United States - Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Education and Restorative Justice in Prison (21st Nov.)

SDSU’s VISTA Program will host an English-language event featuring Assistant Professor Tereza Trejbalova, who will lead a conversation with incarcerated scholars at Centinela State Prison about how academic and community programs like VISTA have positively transformed their lives. The discussion will be followed by a collaborative art activity exploring community solidarity and its role in advancing restorative justice. For more information, please contact Phillip Howard at phoward@sdsu.edu.

📍California (United States), 21st November 2025

Bulgaria - Film Screening: “A Conversation” (21st Nov.)

On the 21st of November 2025, the Restorative Justice Association Bulgaria will present A Conversation, a film based on David Williamson’s play that portrays a restorative meeting between the family of a young woman who was raped and murdered and the family of the offender. Directed by Peter Harris and Oddbjørn Austevik, the film offers an emotional exploration of restorative justice, empathy, and the possibility of change. The screening (in English with Bulgarian subtitles) will be followed by a discussion on restorative dialogue and its relevance in the Bulgarian context. Admission is free, subject to available seating. For more information, please contact Elena Evstatieva at rjassociation.bg@gmail.com.

📍Sofia (Bulgaria), 21st November 2025

United States - SDSU Student Symposium (S³) – Restorative Justice Workshop (19th Nov.)

As part of the SDSU Student Symposium (S³), the Institute for Arts, Humanities and Social Justice will host an English-language, in-person workshop on the 19th of November 2025 focused on restorative justice. The session offers students, including previously incarcerated participants, the chance to collaborate with organisers and faculty to design individual and group projects combining research and the arts. This creative space encourages exploration of restorative justice through innovation, scholarship, and artistic expression. For more information, please contact Kristi Williams (kgwilliams@sdsu.edu).

📍California (United States), 19th November 2025

Online Events

Finland - RÖNSY Webinar: “How Seeking a Child’s Perspective Changes an Adult” (20th Nov.)

The Finnish Forum for Mediation’s VERSO-programme hosts its 7th annual webinar on the 20th of November 2025, exploring how understanding a child’s perspective can transform adult attitudes and behaviours. Presented in Finnish, with participation possible in Swedish and English via Teams chat, this free online session will be led by Dr. Johanna Kaitsalmi, and is open to educators, peer mediation pupils, and other interested stakeholders. To register and for more information, please contact verso@sovittelu.com.

Australia - When School Leaders Choose Connection Over Control (19th Nov.)

Kristy Elliott, Director of Restorative Pathways, joins a panel of experienced school leaders on the 19th of November 2025 to discuss building restorative cultures in schools. Participants will explore how to move from “doing restorative” as behaviour management to “being restorative” as a school’s operating system, navigate the challenges of relational change, and connect restorative practice to broader human rights obligations. Please click the link here to register!

Korea Association for Restorative Justice

The Korea Association for Restorative Justice presents a series of webinars to mark #RJWeek. After the opening of our Director, Edit Törzs, a new session takes place every day (until the 21st of November) between 7-9 pm local time (11 am - 1 pm Central European time), feature exciting subjects, such as Restorative Justice & Schools; Restorative Justice and the Church; Restorative Justice and Peace; and Restorative and School Violence. Anyone can attend for free, registration required.

Check the programme and register here.

Estonia - Restorative Circles – A Step Towards a Safer and More Connected School Community (20th Nov.)

NGO RuaCrew invites teachers, school leaders, and support staff to a practical Estonian-language webinar on the 20th of November 2025, introducing restorative circles in schools. Led by Annegrete Johanson and Margarita Ingel, the webinar seeks to show participants how circles (preventive, reflective, or problem-solving) can strengthen trust, collaboration, and classroom climate, and adapt these practices to your own school context. For more information, please contact annegrete.johanson@gmail.com.

United States

Becoming a Restorative Lawyer: Building a Culture of Connection Across Legal Traditions (20th Nov.)

The Zehr Institute will be hosting an English-language webinar on the 20th of November 2025 to launch Brenda Waugh’s new book, Becoming a Restorative Lawyer. The event explores how restorative law can transform legal work and relationships, and will feature talks from Brenda Waugh, Howard Zehr, Petra Masopust Sachova, and other restorative lawyers. To register, please follow this link, and for more information, please visit this article from the Restorative Lawyer Blog!

National Circle Gathering (18th Nov.)

The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice will host a virtual gathering on the 18th of November 2025 to celebrate International Restorative Justice Week. Participants will share stories, practice deep listening, and explore joy as a sustaining force in challenging times. Welcoming remarks will include Lucinda Cross, Amanda Mitchell, Joel Friesz, and Bettie Ray Butler. For registration information and more details, please visit www.nacrj.org/rjweek.

Restorative Houston – International Restorative Justice Week (17th–19th Nov.)

Join a series of engaging online events celebrating restorative justice. “Restorative Justice at Heart: Rooted in History, Lived as a Way of Being” (17 Nov.) explores what RJ is and isn’t, offering practical strategies to live restoratively in daily life. “How the Hell Are You Doing? Getting a Pulse on RJ in a Chaotic Time” (18 Nov.) provides a community-building circle to reflect, share stories, and strengthen connections among restorative practitioners. On 19 Nov., “Linda White Legacy Day Proclamation” honours Dr. White’s advocacy and victim-offender dialogue work in a brief Zoom gathering. Also on 19 Nov., participate in the “Online Games and Movement Workshop”, exploring interactive exercises to energise circles and foster intergenerational connection, or join “Faith-Based Circles for Holy Disruptors”, a guided session for faith leaders on disrupting school-to-prison pipelines and supporting restorative community engagement. You can find links to register and explore all events in more detail on this form, and for more information, please contact: anitawadhwa@gmail.com.

United Kingdom

Creating 'A Place to Go To': Using Art and Design in Restorative Justice (CPD Workshop) (26th Nov.)

The Mint House (Oxford Centre for Restorative Practice) invites practitioners to a 2.5-hour English-language CPD workshop on the 26th of November 2025, exploring creative exercises and art-based approaches to enhance restorative dialogue. No prior art experience is needed! Click here to register, and for more information, please contact joy@minthouseoxford.co.uk.

Restorative Justice: Exploring a Model for Highland – Q&A Panel (20th Nov.)

Following an in-person discussion in September, Highland Community Justice Partnership continues the conversation online on the 20th of November 2025. Panelists include Hannah Dickson, Lauren Emmerson, and Clair Aldington, focusing on how restorative justice can strengthen Highland communities. Registration is now full; for any questions, please contact Gabrielle Buist at gabrielle.buist@highlandtsi.org.uk.

Restorative Policing: AFRJ International Restorative Justice Week 2025 (17th Nov.)

The African Forum for Restorative Justice is hosting an English-language webinar on the 17th of November 2025, themed “Restorative Policing,” and featuring Professor John Braithwaite and international experts on restorative justice in policing and prisons. Hosted via Zoom (UK/GMT), this session examines global restorative practices and fellowship opportunities for young African scholars. To register, please click this link, and for more information, please contact dj.omale@africanforumrj.com.

Damage and Repair: The Voices of Restorative Justice (20th Nov.)

Why me? presents an English-language webinar on the 20th of November 2025, sharing first-hand stories from people who have experienced restorative justice in the UK. This free online event highlights 20 years of practice through curated oral histories, now archived for the British Library. To register, please click here, and for more information, please contact keeva.baxter@why-me.org.

The list of Restorative Justice Week events in this Newsflash is far from complete. Check our website for more!

In our newsflashes we share the most interesting and relevant updated about our work and collect information from our members and other individuals and/or organisations working in related fields. Information includes news, local activities, international events, publications, inspiring talks or projects, and much more, taking place in Europe and beyond. Please contact us if you have any comments or any news you would like us to share in our future editions. You can enjoy the previous editions of the EFRJ Newsflashes here. Feel free to forward them to friends or colleagues and invite them to sign up on the EFRJ website!

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