Restorative justice is more than a method or practice — it is a human rights–based approach to addressing harm and strengthening communities. At its core, restorative justice places dignity, participation, and accountability at the center of the process. It creates space and agency for those who have been harmed, while also assigning responsibility to those who caused harm.
By focusing on dialogue, understanding, and repair, restorative justice offers humane pathways to address conflict and rebuild trust. These principles contribute directly to safer communities and support the foundations of sustainable peace.
On International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the call for equal and voluntary access to restorative justice for all. Ensuring that every individual can participate in fair, people-centered processes is essential to upholding human rights and fostering long-term reconciliation.
The IPB has endorsed and signed this manifesto by the European Forum for Restorative Justice, launched on 18th of November 2025 on the occasion of the 2025 Restorative Justice Week.
Read and sign the manifesto:
Please find below the PDF version, including all signatures received, and it will be updated up to UN Human Rights Day (10 December 2025).