PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Bringing Restorative Justice to Cyprus: Preventing & Addressing
Divisive Language
4th Annual RJ4All International Conference
Larnaca, Cyprus, 14th October 2024: RJ4All Europe is proud to announce the launch of its 4th Annual International Conference in Cyprus to prevent and address divisive narratives through restorative justice. The event is supported by the Italian Ministry Regione Puglia and will be held in collaboration with the MSc in Forensic Psychology at University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus). The conference will also signify the launch of RJ4All Europe’s new partnerships with UCLan Cyprus; Hands across the Divide; Truth Now aiming to strengthen the impact of restorative justice in Cyprus and the EU.
The conference is free to attend and will be certified. The conference is CPD-certified, and places are limited. Reservations are now open via the following link: https://www.rj4all.eu/annual-conference-2024/.
Recent studies have shown a concerning rise in divisive narratives across Cyprus and Europe, fuelled by misinformation, digital illiteracy, and online hate speech (Gavrielides, 2021). This trend has sparked urgent calls for innovative solutions to foster dialogue and understanding, particularly between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
“In an era where hate speech and misinformation are on the rise, our conference represents a critical step towards fostering peace and understanding. By leveraging restorative justice principles, we aim to create spaces for dialogue and healing, particularly in communities affected by long-standing conflicts.”
Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Founder and Director of RJ4All and RJ4All Europe.
Highlights include keynotes by Prof. Theo Gavrielides and Dr. Lilia Psalta, a panel discussion featuring leading experts on restorative justice, peace-making, truth and reconciliation, and interactive workshops on non-violent communication, digital media literacy, and restorative justice circles. The event will provide opportunities for networking, engagement, and a digital exhibition showcasing the conference’s impact and insights. For more details, please visit the event page.
This event is a part of the broader Gentle Speech project, coordinated by Italian NGO Sinergia Società Cooperativa Sociale and funded by Regione Puglia. Targeting diverse groups, including adults and students aged 13 to 25, the project aims to increase skills and knowledge around restorative justice methods of non-violent communication such as peace circles. Furthermore, it aims to prevent and fight racial hatred through activities aimed at promoting digital media literacy and citizenship skills, and foster intercultural dialogue, especially amongst the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
“RJ4All‘s expertise in restorative justice methodologies complements our academic strengths, allowing us to practice in tackling pressing societal challenges. Together, we’ll develop and implement innovative approaches to combat divisive narratives and promote social cohesion.”
Dr Lilia Psalta, Lecturer in Psychology and Course Leader of Msc Forensic Psychology, UCLan Cyprus
Through this collaborative approach, RJ4All Europe and its partners aim to demonstrate the power of restorative justice in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. Representatives from three partner organisations highlighted their vision of the partnership:
“At Sinergia, we are committed to fostering social inclusion for marginalised groups. By partnering with RJ4All, we aim to advance restorative justice as a powerful tool for addressing divisive language and hate speech and building stronger, more cohesive communities across Europe.”
Pia Antonaci, EU Project Coordinator, Sinergia Società Cooperativa Sociale
“‘Having spent the last 20 years promoting and working to encourage peacebuilding and inclusive dialogue as well as respect for all human rights in Cyprus, Hands across the Divide welcomes this collaboration with RJ4All, an organisation with a similar vision, and looks forward to going forward together and making a real difference in this most decisive period in Cypriot history.”
Magda Zenon, Founding Member of Hands Across the Divide
“Different narratives appear to have played a decisive role in the understanding and expectations of the relatives of the missing persons in Cyprus. However, understanding the common trauma of the G/C and T/C relatives of the missing has played an important role in their pursuit of closure.”
Natasa Iakovou, Member of Truth Now
Echoing this vision, Professor Howard Williamson, CBE FRSA FHEA, Expert in Youth Policy and Social Inclusion, emphasised the importance of collective action:
“The RJ4All International Conference in Cyprus offers a vital platform for young people and stakeholders to discuss ways and create join effort to combat hate speech, divisive narratives and build social cohesion. I strongly urge both youth and key decision-makers to attend—your participation is crucial in building bridges across communities and fostering a more restorative society.”
Professor Howard Williamson, CBE FRSA FHEA Expert in Youth Policy and Social Inclusion
Ends.
Continuous Professional Development certified event
Media contact: Sofia Sideridou, RJ4All Research Coordinator and RJ4All Europe Manager | s.sideridou@rj4all.org
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Information for editors
RJ4All Europe is the leading European non-profit institute advancing community cohesion and human rights through restorative justice. With offices in Cyprus and the UK, we have members from all EU states and over 60 other countries. The organisation delivers social justice projects and programs through dialogue, education, and restorative justice practices. RJ4All Europe aims to create a global peace movement for social change, aligning with UN agencies’ emphasis on informal justice in dispute resolution. The 4th RJ4All Annual Conference is being hosted by our Cypriot office.
For more information: https://rj4all.eu/
Restorative Justice for All International Institute (RJ4All)
RJ4All is a charitable international institute with a mission to address power abuse, conflict, and poverty through the use of restorative justice values and practices. We do this through a combination of restorative justice projects delivered both internationally and locally at the RJ4All Rotherhithe Community Centre in London. We advance community cohesion, equality, human rights, and redistribute power by supporting civil society and delivering social justice and poverty relief projects, educational programmes and high-quality volunteering opportunities for marginalised groups.
For more information: https://rj4all.org/
University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus)
UCLan Cyprus is located in Larnaka, and it is now in its twelfth year of operation. It is the first Branch Campus of the University of Central Lancashire and at the same time a fully licensed University in Cyprus. The vision of the University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus, is to be recognised as a world-class, research-led University, competing successfully and sustainably within a national and international market. We are a University that is increasingly recognised for its commitment to outstanding teaching and practical learning, impactful research, innovative thinking and knowledge transfer that adds value to socio-economic and scientific development across frontiers.
View more information at: https://www.uclancyprus.ac.cy/
Sinergia Società Cooperativa Sociale
Sinergia Società Cooperativa Sociale, founded in 2009, is an Italian non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting social integration and supporting disadvantaged groups. The organisation manages a range of social, health, and educational services aimed at assisting families, the elderly, disabled individuals, adults, and children. Sinergia’s core mission involves preventing marginalisation and social disadvantage through various programs, including education and training activities. Their efforts primarily focus on supporting people with fewer opportunities, such as immigrants, children of immigrants, disabled individuals, the elderly, and unemployed women, striving to improve their quality of life and foster community inclusion.
View more information at: https://sinergiasociale.it/en/index.htm
Regione Puglian – Dipartimento Sviluppo Economico Sezione Ricerca e Relazioni Internazionali
The Regione Puglia (Puglia Region – Economic Development Department and International Relations) promotes innovation for businesses, strengthens the research ecosystem, and fosters collaboration between enterprises and research organisations. Its initiatives support startups, and SMEs through programs focused on entrepreneurship, industrial transition, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The department also facilitates cooperation at both regional and international levels, aiming to enhance competitiveness and address collective innovation needs.
View more information at: https://www.regione.puglia.it/web/ricerca-e-relazioni-internazionali
