European Parliament Policy Discussion

Restorative Justice in Europe: Advancing Victims’ Rights, Promoting Accountability of the Person Responsible and Strengthening Community Resilience 

Across Europe, increasing attention has been devoted to strengthening victims’ rights within the EU legal framework. However, access to restorative justice remains uneven across Member States, leading to significant disparities in the availability of restorative justice services, protection measures, support mechanisms, and opportunities for meaningful participation for victims and those responsible for harm.

Drawing on experiences from two distinct but complementary contexts — responses to terrorism and other forms of politically motivated violence, where restorative justice approaches can contribute to acknowledgement, dialogue and healing for affected communities beyond traditional justice responses; and cases of violence against women, where restorative justice must be carefully considered within the framework of criminal justice processes, victims’ rights, and robust safeguards to ensure safety and avoid further harm — this event aims to raise awareness among European policymakers of the potential of restorative justice as a human rights-based approach.

The event will explore how restorative justice can promote healing, accountability, and community participation while fully respecting the principles of the rule of law, due process, and the rights, dignity, and safety of all those involved.

Through contributions from policymakers, people with lived experience, practitioners, and academics, the event will examine how restorative justice can be more effectively embedded within European legislation and public policy, drawing on concrete national experiences, emerging practices, and lessons learned from across Europe.

More information about the event will be available soon!