Organized By
Centre for Peace and Security StudiesAddis
Centre for Restorative Justice
European Forum for Restorative Justice
With thanks to our principal funder, the Balzan Foundation
Overview
Restorative Horizons will explore the dynamic intersections between restorative justice and the many justice traditions that coexist within and beyond formal state systems. We invite contributions that examine Indigenous, customary, spiritual, and community-based approaches to justice, as well as hybrid and plural systems that reflect the lived realities of diverse communities across the Global North and South.
Rather than positioning these systems as separate or competing, the workshop seeks to understand how restorative justice operates across traditions and how it can serve as a bridge linking them. We aim to highlight how these plural approaches contribute to sustainable peace, the healing of historical and contemporary harms, and the flourishing of communities facing complex challenges.
A particular focus will be given to environmental and ecological justice, recognizing that many Indigenous and local justice systems view social harmony and environmental wellbeing as inseparable.
Purpose
The general purpose of the two-day workshop is to bring Balzan PhD Fellows, RJ scholars, and practitioners and spark on how to contribute to peacemaking, peacebuilding, transitional justice, environmental justice, and other related agendas. The third day of the workshop will be touring program – where Oromia Supreme Court, Indigenous elders and some historical sites in Addis will be visited.
The general purpose of the two-day workshop is to bring Balzan PhD Fellows, RJ scholars, and practitioners and spark on how to contribute to peacemaking, peacebuilding, transitional justice, environmental justice, and other related agendas. The third day of the workshop will be touring program – where Oromia Supreme Court, Indigenous elders and some historical sites in Addis will be visited.
Who Should Attend?
The workshop will move beyond academic discussion toward practical applications, engaging scholars, practitioners, and community leaders to explore how plural justice traditions can respond to today’s social, political, environmental, and economic challenges.
Publication Opportunities
An edited volume of selected workshop papers will be published internationally.
Workshop Purpose & Agenda
Connecting theory, practice, and lived experience
Dialogue & Collaboration
Bringing together Balzan PhD Fellows, RJ scholars, and practitioners to stimulate discussion on peacemaking, peacebuilding, and transitional justice.
Field Visits
A dedicated day for visits to the Oromia Supreme Court, engagement with Indigenous elders, and tours of selected historical sites in Addis Ababa.
Annual Lecture
The program will feature the 2026 Annual Lecture of The International Journal of Restorative Justice
Call For Contributions
We welcome diverse ways of knowing and sharing
Accepted Formats
- Workshop paper presentations with abstracts
- Poster presentation abstracts
- Skills-labs or practice-based demonstrations
- Community circles and dialogues (e.g., Gadaa or Oda dialogues)
- Creative or experiential formats
- Innovative ideas not listed above
How to Submit
Please prepare a Word document including:
- Title of your proposal
- Presenter details (name, email, job title, institution)
- Abstract (+/- 300 words)
- Biography (+/- 50 words)
- Preferred format and time (e.g., 15, 60, or 90 min)
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Important Dates
Venue & Accommodation
Sapphire Addis Hotel
Conference Venue
Namibia Avenue, Urael Road Next to Sheger Building. Located approximately 3 km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Registrants are personally responsible for any early check-ins or late check-outs.
Nearby Affordable Hotels:
Visa Process
The visa process for foreigners is generally easy and can be done online. Apply for E-Visa.
Note: The Addis Ababa University Center for Peace and Security Studies will write an invitation/support letter on behalf of all visa applicants.
Transport & Costs
Participants are responsible for their own airport transportation. Approximate cost: USD 2 per trip. Many hotels provide shuttle services—check with your booking.
Visit Ethiopia
Registration Details
There is no mandatory registration fee. However, a voluntary donation is encouraged to support workshop expenses.
Recommended Donation
USD $250
Bank Details
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia
IBN: CBE TETA
Account: TBA
Registration Deadline: 15 July 2026
Contact Persons
Zelalem Tesfaye Sirna
+251-912-157-089
Daniel Mekonnen
+251-913-959-065