Tirana - part of the Restorative Cities Initiative in Europe

The Albanian Foundation for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation of Disputes (AFCR), in partnership with the Municipality of Tirana have undertaken the initiative to make Tirana of part of the restorative cities. AFCR has joined the Working Group for Restorative Cities, coordinated by the European Forum for Restorative Justice - EFRJ (https://www.euforumrj.org/en), and it is composed of EFRJ organizational members involved in the Restorative Cities of Bristol (UK), Como, Mentana, Palermo and Tempio Pausania (Italy), Leuven (Netherlands), Wroclaw (Poland) and Tirana (Albania). Well-known experts in the field of restorative practices, mediation and conflict management are also part of the working group.

The aim of the Working Group on Restorative Cities is to bring together different local experiences which have the intention of creating a cultural change with citizens who are empowered in their conflict resolution skills and decision making.

Meanwhile, making Tirana part of the Restorative Cities aims at promoting cooperation between institutions, organizations and citizens for the wide use of restorative approaches in conflict resolution, especially in cases of minors and young people in contact with the law. The action plan in partnership with Tirana Municipality  includes information activities, awareness raising, training, etc., with the involvement of institutions of social care for children, youth groups, mediation services, probation service, prison system, University of Tirana, etc.

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Restorative Cities aim at disseminating restorative values (inclusion, participation, respect, responsibility, solidarity, truth seeking, etc.) in different settings where conflict may occur, such as families, schools, neighbourhoods, sport organisations, work places, intercultural communities, etc. The final goal is to strengthen relationships, encourage active citizenship and look at conflict as an opportunity for change.