VONA Foundation Raises Access to Justice and Legal Support for Ukrainians in Meeting with Ontario Attorney General

On October 14, 2026, Nadiya Yashan, Co-Founder and Director of VONA Foundation and Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, in Canada, participated in a working meeting with the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario.

She was joined by Andrii Ovsiienko, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

The discussion focused on access to legal information, legal assistance, and mechanisms available to protect the rights of Ukrainian citizens living in Canada.

The meeting created opportunities for continued communication with the Office of the Attorney General of Ontario regarding the needs of Ukrainian communities and resources that may assist individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.

Supporting Ukrainian Women and Families Since 2022

VONA Foundation has been supporting Ukrainian women, children, and families since 2022, particularly those who arrived in Canada after being displaced by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The organization's work includes educational and informational initiatives, settlement support, skills development, women's empowerment, and activities that help newcomers integrate into Canadian society.

Through its community engagement, VONA Foundation and its Co-Founder have encountered numerous situations in which women required not only practical support but also information about their legal rights.

For many newcomers, understanding family law, parental rights and responsibilities, child protection, access to legal consultations, and interactions with public institutions remains challenging.

Language barriers, financial limitations, and unfamiliarity with the Canadian legal system can make these situations even more difficult.

Legal Awareness as a Foundation for Women's Safety and Independence

VONA Foundation places particular importance on supporting women who are raising children, adapting to a new environment, or experiencing vulnerable circumstances.

Some women are uncertain about their rights during family disputes, how to obtain legal advice, or which institutions to contact when experiencing domestic violence.

Others face questions involving child custody, family-related legal proceedings, or communication with public services.

A lack of reliable information can sometimes discourage individuals from seeking assistance, even when appropriate support mechanisms are available.

Improving legal awareness is therefore an important priority for community-based organizations working with newcomers.

VONA Foundation recognizes access to clear and understandable legal information as an essential component of women's safety, social integration, and economic independence.

Dialogue with the Office of the Attorney General of Ontario

During the meeting with Attorney General Doug Downey, Nadiya Yashan and Andrii Ovsiienko discussed concerns raised by Ukrainian citizens, including family-related legal matters, children's rights, access to legal assistance, and difficulties understanding Canadian legal procedures.

Particular attention was given to the importance of informing newcomers about available legal resources and opportunities to seek assistance through appropriate services and organizations.

Participants also discussed the value of continued communication and potential educational initiatives that could help Ukrainian newcomers better understand Ontario's legal system.

Following the meeting, a representative of the Office of the Attorney General of Ontario confirmed the office's openness to continued dialogue and invited further information about priority areas related to access to legal assistance.

The office also offered to help identify and connect Nadiya and her office with relevant resources where appropriate.

This follow-up provides a practical foundation for continued information sharing and identifying potential areas of engagement.

Nadiya Yashan's Role in Supporting Human Rights in Canada

Alongside her responsibilities as Co-Founder and Director of VONA Foundation, Nadiya Yashan serves as an Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, in Canada.

In this capacity, she receives inquiries from Ukrainian citizens, helps identify appropriate channels for obtaining support, and facilitates communication with institutions and organizations that may be able to provide relevant information or assistance.

Combining community-based experience with participation in human rights dialogue provides valuable insight into both individual concerns and broader challenges affecting Ukrainians in Canada.

This is particularly important for women and families with children, for whom access to legal information can directly influence personal safety, stability, and the ability to build independent lives.

Future Priorities for VONA Foundation

Building on its experience working with Ukrainian communities, VONA Foundation is interested in developing initiatives that strengthen newcomers' legal awareness.

Potential areas of focus include educational and informational sessions on women's and children's rights, access to legal assistance, family law, and navigating Canadian public institutions.

Another priority is establishing connections with organizations and services that provide legal information and assistance.

The Foundation also intends to contribute to a broader assessment of the needs of Ukrainians across Canadian provinces, helping ensure that future initiatives respond to the challenges communities actually face.

Moving Toward More Effective Support

The meeting with the Attorney General of Ontario represented an important step in advancing dialogue on access to justice and legal information for Ukrainian newcomers.

VONA Foundation extends its appreciation to Attorney General Doug Downey and his team for their attention to these concerns, constructive discussion, and willingness to maintain communication.

The organization will continue identifying the priority needs of Ukrainian women and families, developing educational initiatives, and exploring opportunities to engage with relevant public institutions and community organizations.

For VONA Foundation, protecting the rights of women and children is inseparable from promoting their safety, dignity, independence, and ability to build a stable future in Canada.