Restorative Horizons:

Indigenous, Plural, and Hybrid Paths

Towards Justice and Peace

Exploring the dynamic intersections between restorative
justice and diverse justice traditions across the Global North and South.
Organized By
Centre for Peace and Security StudiesAddis

Ababa University

Centre for Restorative Justice

Australian National University

European Forum for Restorative Justice
With thanks to our principal funder, the Balzan Foundation

Overview & Purpose

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.

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

31 March 2026
Idea Submission Deadline

Submit your abstracts and proposals.

30 April 2026
Notification of Selected Ideas

Speakers will be notified.

30 May 2026
Abstract Compilation

Selected abstracts reviewed.

15 July 2026
Participant Registration Deadline

Numbers are capped due to capacity.

30 October 2026
Full Paper Submission

For well-structured, referenced papers.

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

Addis Ababa Historical Sites   Wanchi Ija Eco Lodge   Entoto Park   Sofomar Cave

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