Construyendo Ciudades desde la Justicia Restaurativa: Principios, Estrategias y Experiencias

This article presents the concept of the restorative city as a transformation of the traditional urban model toward an environment based on the principles of restorative justice: equity, participation, accountability, and reparation. Restorative cities are not limited to the criminal justice system but integrate restorative practices at all levels of social life—families, schools, communities, and institutional systems—fostering healthy relationships, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence. These cities view conflict not as a threat, but as an opportunity to generate positive change through dialogue, empathy, and community participation. The article promotes the creation of spaces for healing and encounter, such as restorative justice centers, restorative schools, and psychosocial support networks, to address the structural causes of harm and strengthen the social fabric. Through strategies such as inter-institutional collaboration, community training, and citizen engagement, the goal is to replace the punitive logic with a culture of mutual care, respect, and shared responsibility. International examples, such as Hull (United Kingdom), Canberra (Australia), and Leuven (Belgium), demonstrate that the sustained implementation of restorative practices improves quality of life, reduces recidivism, and strengthens urban resilience. Finally, national and international regulatory frameworks are highlighted that support this vision, positioning restorative cities as spaces of inclusion, justice, and lasting peace, in line with human rights and Buen Vivir (Good Living).