The Conference of the Ministers of Justice was organised by the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers in Venice on 13-14 December. Restorative Justice emphasises the principle of repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour. The event aimed at promoting the progress of the debate on restorative justice in criminal matters within the Council of Europe, based on the analysis made by European and international sources and taking note of the best practical experiences in Member States.
Opening session with:
- Marta Cartabia, Minister of Justice of Italy
- Marija Pejčinović Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe
- Rik Daems, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
- Gianni Buquicchio, President of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
The Italian Presidency encouraged a round table discussion regarding the current use of restorative justice by the different criminal law jurisdictions in Europe and the obstacles in making restorative justice accessible and available at every stage of the criminal proceedings.
Moreover, the Presidency presented for adoption the “Venice Declaration on the role of restorative justice in criminal matters” in order to promote the practice of restorative justice and further implement its application by the Council of Europe Member States, aiming at a widespread implementation of the Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec (2018)8 on restorative justice in criminal matters. The Recommendation recognises the potential benefits of resorting to restorative justice as a process which enables those harmed by crime, and those responsible for that harm, if they freely consent, to participate actively in the resolution of matters arising from the offence, through the help of a trained and impartial third party.
More information:
- Press release
- Speech by the Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić
- Venice Declaration on the Role of Restorative Justice in Criminal Matters
- Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec (2018)8 concerning restorative justice in criminal matters
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