Inter-community and inter-state conflicts: Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
The RJ4All International Institute and RJ4All Europe is proud to announce that after a small break, we will be holding the 4th International Symposium on Restorative justice. Structured around the ancient and sacred Hellenic social institution of Symposium, this unique event will be held in the ancient island of Cyprus on the 16th – 22nd June 2025.
The Symposium builds upon the successful model of the 1st International Symposium on Restorative Justice 2012, the 2nd International Symposium on Restorative Justice 2014 and the 3rd International Symposium on Restorative Justice 2016. The Symposium model allows the development of strong bonds between the participating scholars while debating their latest research and academic interests. Unlike traditional conferences, ancient Greek Symposia aim to build relationships amongst the participants and through these bonds foster deep and honest dialogue about matters that most institutions tend to shy away from (Gavrielides & Artinopoulou, 2013).
The Theme & Impetus
The 4th Symposium is titled “Inter-community and inter-state conflicts: Peacebuilding and Reconciliation”. As we announce this Symposium, another conflict has erupted in the Middle East – this time in Lebanon. This followed the recent wars in Ukraine and Gaza, while the Syrian civil war and the Afghan conflict (Ayobi et al., 2020; Wardak & Braithwaite, 2020) continue to claim the lives of thousands of victims, including children and women (Institute for Economics & Peace, 2024; Security Service MI5, 2024; U.S. Department of State, 2023; Vision of Humanity, 2024). At the same time, the ferocity and sophistication of cyberattacks around the world, and the widespread usage of Artificial Intelligence (CrowdStrike, 2024) create feelings of insecurity independently of where we live. A zeitgeist is being formed where new narratives re-define how we co-exist and accept the other. These narratives are not pleasant. They are mostly divisive, encouraging adversarial feelings and a false sense of belonging.
Within this context, Cyprus remains to be the only EU member state that is divided. The inter-community conflict since 1963, the Cypriot coup d’etat and the subsequent Turkish invasion in 1974 left the island torn impacting on the lives of generations.
For all the above reasons, the restorative justice intellectual community called for leadership in reigniting a debate on the role of restorative justice for inter-community and inter-state conflicts. The 4th Symposium responds to this Call with the key aim of creating much-needed hope for our future generations.
The Organising Committee
- Prof. Theo Gavrielides, PhD, RJ4All Founder & Director, UK & Cyprus
- Ms Penelope Griffith, Executive Director, Collaborative Solutions for Communities, USA
- Dr Lorenn Walker, Health Educator, Restorative lawyer; Director, Hawai’i Friends of Restorative Justice, USA.
- Dr Lilia Psalta, Assistant Professor in Psychology and Course Leader of Msc Forensic Psychology, UCLan Cyprus
- Professor Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou, Head of School and Professor of European Law and Reform, UCLan Cyprus
- Sofia Sideridou, Research Coordinator and RJ4All Europe Manager, UK & Cyprus
- Iro Michael, B.Sc. Psychology, M.A. Criminology, Registered Mediator, Cyprus
- Hannah Afrah, Secretariat
Draft Itinerary
A key contributor to the Symposium methodology and a stimulus for inspiration and scholarly debates is the environment. Our Symposia are not held behind walls but in ancient temples, open spaces on mountains and beaches and historical spots that unite memories and hearts.
Given the location of the 4th Symposium in the divided island of Cyprus, we have prepared an exciting and inspiring itinerary that draws from the spirit of ancient Cyprus combined with the island’s unique beauty. Over 5 working days, we will visit almost all major cities.
- 14/15 June: Arrival at Larnaca international airport.
- 15th June: Opening ceremony in Pyla within the UN Buffer Zone & social event. Visit to Famagusta viewpoint, Deryneia and Amochostos.
- 16th June: Day 1 – Pyla (located within the United Nations Buffer Zone). Visit to Lefkara village Larnaca.
- 17th June: Day 2 – Nicosia (the only divided capital in Europe). Visit to Ledra Palace, Home for Cooperation, Famagusta Gate and Episkopeio village.
- 18th June: Day 3 – Paphos (dating as back as the Neolithic times). Visit to Kouklia, Aphrodite’s Rock and Hills.
- 19th June: Day 4 – Paphos/ Akamas. Visit to Tombs of the Kings and Baths of Aphrodite.
- 20th June: Day 5 – Paphos. Visit to Peyia town.
- 21st June: Closing ceremony in Paphos & social event. Visit to Pomos village.
- 22nd June: Departures.
Expression of Interest, Registration & Cost
Due to the nature of the Symposium as a close event, we are able to accommodate up to 20 formal delegates. We encourage you to bring your family/ friends who will also be able to participate in all the events and especially our Symposium social gatherings. Registration and payment will open on the 1st of January 2025 and will close on the 1st of May 2025. Early registration is encouraged this will close once the maximum number is reached.
As a first step, we ask that you fill out a short Expression of Interest by following this link. The deadline for expressing your interest is the end of February 2025. We will then follow up within 2 weeks to confirm your participation and ask you to register.
The Symposia are unfunded and operate on our Institute’s non-profit principle. Participation requires a registration fee of €300. We strive to secure some funding to subsidise costs for everyone. The registration fee is inclusive of all the following:
- Opening evening reception including refreshments & dinner
- Inland transportation (shuttle bus) to the Symposium locations (excluding transportation from and to airports)
- Delegates’ pack and stationary
- Administration for the event
- Refreshments during presentations
- Subsidised cost for dinners and lunches
- Publication and conference material.
Please kindly note that the registration fee does not cover accommodation and travelling costs (flights, taxis etc). We will help you search for the best flight tickets. Costs can be varied (e.g. from London, if booked early there are flights for £75 return). Flight costs will be covered directly by the participants. Subsidised accommodation costs will be adjusted for those with family/ friends.
Accommodation & Transportation
Due to limited transport options on the island, RJ4All will arrange for a shuttle bus service that will transfer the participants from one city to another. Accommodation can be arranged based on the itinerary at a 4-star hotel.
14 – 17: Larnaca
18 – 22: Paphos.
Cost TBC
Family and Friends
We strongly encourage delegates to bring family and/ or friends. Learning from the previous Symposia bringing our loved ones to these unique events enhances and intensifies the building of bonds that can last for a lifetime. There will be no additional registration costs for friends and family who can participate in the opening and closing ceremonies and the social events. Accommodation costs can be adjusted accordingly.
Relevant Publication
The book resulting from the previous symposia: Reconstructing Restorative Justice Philosophy
“No one will be able to read this book without wishing they were there for the journey that gave it birth. Rich outcomes are enabled by the richness of the process. This book succeeds in drawing us into the journey of its travellers and is a grand exercise in critical retrieval, revival and renewal of those teachings, ancient and recent. There is a great, enduring core of restorative justice teachings that has an increasingly global quality about it. This fine collection helps us renew and reconstruct the core of restorative justice teachings at their holistic philosophical foundations while also helping us to look at them with wider historical and cultural lenses”.Professor John Braithwaite, Australian National University, Australia
