February 2025 / I 

In the beginning of the month, we had the pleasure of hosting the 3rd Winter Academy in Leuven (Belgium)! 45 participants from four continents (Africa, North America, Asia, and Europe) came together for an inspiring experience of learning, exchange, and connection.  The two parallel courses provided an in-depth learning experience on Imprisonment and Restorative Justice and Basic Restorative Training Skills.  Although each group focused on its specific theme, there were key moments of exchange and collaboration, including joint activities and plenary sessions at the beginning and end of the Academy. These moments reinforced the sense of community and encouraged dialogue across different areas of expertise.
The program also included a visit to Leuven Auxiliary Prison (Hulpgevangenis Leuven), a guided tour by Sarah Devriendt from Leuven Restorative City, and guest presentations by Angela Verhagen (Avans Hogeschool), Kristel Buntinx, Pieter Verbeek (Moderator - Forum voor herstelrecht en bemiddeling), and Bea De Samblanx (Arktos vzw). Their contributions added valuable perspectives and deepened participants' understanding of restorative practices in different contexts. A sincere Thank You to all those who made this event possible: the trainers (Bart Claes, Roberto Moreno, Gael Cochrane, and Tom Mellor), guest speakers, and, above all, the participants, whose engagement and expertise enriched every discussion and activity. 
Stay tuned for the 2026 edition!

Registrations for the 13th International Seminar of the European Forum for Restorative Justice - Athens, 16-17 May 2025 - are now open!  The seminar will focus on how restorative justice and restorative practices can offer meaningful support to children on the move - one of the most vulnerable groups identified by UNICEF, including refugees, unaccompanied minors, and internally displaced children. The event will primarily explore the unique needs of these children while promoting inclusion, dialogue, and mutual understanding within host communities. This work aligns with Goal 16 of the UN 2030 Agenda, which emphasises the importance of peaceful societies, access to justice, and resilient institutions.
Take advantage of the special early-bird discounts by registering before March 28, 2025. Here you can find all the details for the registration fees. EFRJ members receive special discount from the fees. Are you a member? Make sure to pay your membership fee for 2025, and sign in with your account associated to your membership before registering! In this way the registration fee will be automatically adjusted for you by the system! 

What role can restorative justice play in tackling the growing challenge of right-wing extremism? How can it address this issue both conceptually and in practice?
Join us on February 25th (3-5 pm CET) for a webinar on Right-Wing Extremism and Restorative Justice, with the members of the EFRJ Working Groups on Restorative Cities and Restorative Justice & Violent Extremism to explore these relevant issues.

Únase a la Conferencia sobre Justicia Restaurativa desde la Perspectiva de las Víctimas: Experiencias en el Espacio Latinoamericano, que se llevará a cabo los días 20 y 21 de marzo de 2025 en el Instituto de Ciencias Sociales y Políticas (ISCSP) de la Universidad de Lisboa. Este evento reunirá a expertos, profesionales, investigadores y miembros de la sociedad civil de Portugal, España, Brasil y otros países iberoamericanos para debates profundos sobre el papel de las víctimas en la justicia restaurativa. Temas clave incluyen:

• El impacto de la justicia restaurativa en la recuperación de las víctimas
• El papel de los sistemas judiciales en la promoción de prácticas restaurativas
• Modelos innovadores de justicia restaurativa en América Latina
• Desafíos y oportunidades para la institucionalización de estas prácticas

Esta conferencia también marcará el lanzamiento oficial del Consejo Iberoamericano de Justicia Restaurativa, un hito importante para fortalecer la cooperación regional. Los idiomas oficiales del evento son español y portugués, con 2 intervenciones en inglés. La cuota de inscripción es de 50 € (Estudiantes: 25 €). Más información y el formulario de inscripción están disponibles en el sitio web de la conferencia.

Lorenzo's testimony is a powerful story of transformation. In the past, Lorenzo was involved in several bank robberies, which led him to a sentence of more than 30 years. However, during his time in the Padua prison, he embarked on an inner journey that led to a complete turnaround. Today, he is a restorative justice practitioner, working as a mediator and specialising in legal issues and conflict resolution. His journey is one of personal redemption, and, today, his work is centered around resolving conflicts through the principles of restorative justice. There is a compelling book and podcast about his experience, currently available only in Italian. However, if you are interested in learning more, you can watch the video below and add subtitles in your preferred language!

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!