Naomi Long highlights the benefits of restorative justice

Restorative justice can bring fundamental change and healing to victims, offenders and communities across the criminal justice spectrum, Naomi Long said at the second Restorative Justice Council conference.

Under this year’s theme “Breaking the Cycle”, the conference provided a platform for leading experts and practitioners in the field to raise awareness of restorative justice and restorative practice in general.

Minister for Justice Naomi Long said in her opening address: “Restorative justice is about repairing harm, building relationships and reducing crime. We know it can bring significant benefits not only to victims of crime, but also to offenders and their wider families and communities.”

“It is important that we encourage all those with the means to consider developing restorative practice as an early intervention in schools and communities before those affected come into contact with the criminal justice system.

“Unfortunately, some will enter the system and we need to think about how best to meet the needs of everyone involved – the victims, the perpetrators and the community.”

Naomi Long added: “Positive and impactful outcomes can be achieved through restorative justice, including work within the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy. However, its successful development can only be achieved through effective partnerships and good working relationships. The organisations and individuals involved are vital in this and I hope that our links will be strengthened so that together we can achieve the best outcomes for all those affected by wrongdoing and crime.”

Conference participants included representatives from Queens University Belfast, Ulster University, members of community-based restorative justice organisations (Northern Ireland Alternatives and Community Restorative Justice Ireland), the Parole Board for Northern Ireland and the Education Authority.