Tomáš Horeháj

Tomáš is a lawyer, researcher, and founder and chairperson of ReStart, o.z., a Slovak non- governmental organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of restorative justice principles, ideas, and programmes.

His professional work lies at the intersection of legal practice, academic research, and policy development, with a particular focus on restorative justice, victimology, and criminal law. He has been actively involved in drafting policy papers, academic articles, analytical studies, methodologies, and educational programmes aimed at strengthening restorative approaches within criminal justice systems. In addition, Tomáš is an active member and regularly participate in events organised by the European Forum for Restorative Justice. Through this involvement, he continuously advocate for the evidence‑based development of restorative justice, contributing to public discourse, academic debate, and the strengthening of civil‑society engagement. He frequently publishes and lectures on these topics both in Slovakia and abroad.

In four years, I would like to see the European Forum for Restorative Justice standing even more clearly as the leading European reference point for restorative justice as a movement for social and systemic transformation, not only as a set of practices within criminal justice. I envision an EFRJ that is visibly shaping public conversations across Europe - connecting lived experience, practice, research, and policy - to make restorative justice understood as a credible, human‑rights‑based pathway to access to justice for all. This vision strongly resonates with the EFRJ’s Strategy 2026–2030, which was shaped through deep reflection on how the organisation can strengthen its impact, coherence, and relevance in increasingly complex social and political contexts.

Finally, I would like to see the EFRJ recognised even more clearly as a bridge between grassroots practice and European‑level policy influence. In four years, the Forum should be visibly contributing to legislative, institutional, and training frameworks at EU and Council of Europe levels, while staying grounded in restorative values, ethics, and evidence. This means continuing to invest in high‑quality research, ethical evaluation, and innovative training approaches - so that restorative justice is not only expanded, but expanded with integrity. This ambition reflects the Strategy 2026–2030’s emphasis on quality, credibility, and long‑term systemic change, ensuring that restorative justice remains both transformative and trustworthy as it grows across Europe.

As a Board member of the European Forum for Restorative Justice, my contribution would be grounded in commitment, responsibility, and active engagement with the organisation’s mission and values. I am motivated to actively contribute to shaping the future strategic direction of the EFRJ, including through close involvement in the implementation, monitoring, and further development of the recently approved Strategy. I see the Board as a crucial space where strategic vision must be continuously reflected upon, translated into concrete priorities, and aligned with the evolving needs of members, partners, and the wider restorative justice field. A core part of my contribution would be to promote transparency, trust, and effective cooperation within the organisation. I would actively support open communication between the Board, staff, working groups, and the wider membership, helping to ensure that decision‑making processes are understandable, inclusive, and grounded in shared restorative values. I believe that transparent governance and meaningful member engagement are essential for sustaining a strong, credible, and participatory organisation. Finally, I am motivated to represent the EFRJ externally in a way that reflects both its strategic ambitions and its ethical foundations. As a Board member, I would take responsibility for contributing to external relations with partners, institutions, and stakeholders, helping to strengthen the EFRJ’s visibility, legitimacy, and influence across Europe and beyond. In doing so, I would aim to communicate restorative justice not only as a set of practices, but as a principled and evidence‑informed approach to justice, social cohesion, and systemic change. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

I am writing to express my strong motivation to nominate Mr. Tomáš Horeháj for the Board elections of the European Forum for Restorative Justice, to be held during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Poznań, Poland, on 10 June 2026. Mr. Horeháj’s long-standing engagement with restorative justice at national and European levels, combined with his leadership experience and strategic vision, make him an excellent candidate for this role. As a Slovak policymaker, he has been an active member of the European Restorative Justice Policy Network (ERJPN) for several years and has regularly participated in conferences, seminars, webinars, Winter Academies, and other events organised by the EFRJ. Through these engagements, he has developed a deep appreciation for the Forum’s role as a platform for dialogue among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates across Europe. The EFRJ has significantly contributed to his professional growth, broadened his European perspective, and strengthened his commitment to restorative justice as a human-centred, rights-based, and relational approach to justice.

Mr. Horeháj brings a particularly valuable ability to work collaboratively and constructively in diverse groups. He combines strong competence with a clear and thoughtful communication style, always mindful of shared objectives and mutual understanding. This makes him not only an effective contributor, but also a reliable and constructive partner in collective decision-making processes. Finally, being part of the EFRJ Board would be both an honour and a meaningful opportunity for Mr. Horeháj to actively contribute to shaping the Forum’s future strategic direction, to promote transparency and effective cooperation among its members, and to represent the EFRJ community externally. He is fully committed to dedicating the necessary time, expertise, and attention to this role and to upholding the principles and values of the European Forum for Restorative Justice.

Email: thorehaj@gmail.com

Organisation, job title: ReStart, o.z. - chairperson and founder