European Forum for Restorative Justice | European Forum for Restorative Justice

Why restorative justice matters?

"Restorative justice matters because respect for human dignity matters, solidarity within diverse societies matter, justice matters and truth matters." - Watch Tim Chapman (former Chair of the EFRJ Board) outlining the significance of restorative justice for our societies today in the first part of our short video series.

Restorative Justice is an approach of addressing harm or the risk of harm through engaging all those affected in coming to a common understanding and agreement on how the harm or wrongdoing can be repaired and justice achieved.
The European Forum for Restorative Justice aims to help establish and develop victim-offender mediation and other restorative justice practices. Every person in Europe should have the right of access to restorative justice services, at any time and in any case.
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Restorative Justice and Children Having Committed Severe Crimes

On the morning of April the 2nd 2024, a 12-year old boy prepared to go to school in the city of Vantaa, Finland. Only that this day would not going to be like the other days. This morning, he would take a small handgun with him...
Starting from a recent incident of a school shooting in Finland committed by a child under the age of criminal responsibility, Heidi Jokinen discusses the role of alternative dispute resolution methods, in particular restorative justice in cases that involve children.

Restorative Justice Gives Youth a Voice: on the Experiences with the i-Restore 2.0 Project

The i-Restore 2.0 project (2022–2024) continues from where the i-Restore project (2019–2021) finished. The project, carried out in Greece, Estonia, the Netherlands and Romania, underlines the importance of empowering children and young people, and about doing that in a safe environment. By Heidi Jokinen, Sofia Vasileiadou, and Kim Magiera.

Intra-Familial Child Sexual Abuse and Restorative Justice

Tackling child sexual abuse in general introduces a demanding challenge within the justice system, where the best interests of the child must be of prime importance. By focusing on it in the justice process, authorities can uphold their duty to protect and advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable members of society. In addition to criminal proceedings, restorative justice should be an option for such cases. By Aila Kara and Anastasia Katsimpeli.

Join the Closing Event of the i-Restore 2.0 in Brussels!

EFRJ event

Register for free to learn about the outcomes of the project and join the inspiring discourse on the 2nd of September!

Reaction to the Revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive

policy

With the EU Council's position on the Victims' Rights Directive, EU member states have shown little willingness to commit to enhancing victim rights. They have largely rejected or diluted the EU Commission’s proposals, turning obligations into mere options. The EFRJ, together with other 51 organisations, signed the statement promoted by Victim Support Europe (VSE) to show solidarity with victims of crime and urge all EU Member State to honour commitments to victims of crime; by adopting a strong Victims’ Rights Directive as the cornerstone legislation for all victims of crime.

New Executive Committee members June 2024

The EFRJ Board Elected the New Executive Committee

update on the organisation

Following the recent Board election which was concluded during the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the European Forum for Restorative Justice (28th of May, Tallinn), and its results were announced, the new Board has elected a new Executive Committee.