VONA Foundation Strengthens Human Rights Dialogue with Ontario Ombudsman

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 an official meeting with Barbara Finlay, Acting Ombudsman of Ontario. Nadiya was joined by Andrii Ovsiienko, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.

The meeting focused on human rights protection, the exchange of best practices between Ukrainian and Canadian institutions, and opportunities for continued dialogue regarding challenges faced by Ukrainian citizens living in Canada.

VONA Foundation: Supporting Ukrainian Women and Children Since 2022

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainian families have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety abroad. A significant number have arrived in Canada, where they have faced new challenges related to settlement, employment, education, language barriers, and understanding Canadian laws and public institutions.

Established in 2022, VONA Foundation has focused on supporting Ukrainian women, children, and families affected by the war as they rebuild their lives in a new country.

Over the years, the organization has delivered educational, informational, and community-based initiatives designed to assist newcomers, develop practical skills, support social integration, and strengthen women's independence.

Particular attention has been given to women arriving in Canada with children, often without established support networks and while facing financial uncertainty and emotional stress.

Through this work, it has become increasingly clear that many newcomers need more than social and educational support. They also require reliable information about their rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.

From Community Support to Human Rights Advocacy

Nadiya Yashan regularly receives inquiries from Ukrainian citizens concerning family matters, children's rights, access to public services, legal assistance, and interactions with Canadian institutions.

Some inquiries arise from limited familiarity with Canadian laws and administrative procedures. Others involve complex personal circumstances in which individuals do not know which institution to contact or what protections may be available to them.

In addition to serving as Co-Founder and Director of VONA Foundation, Nadiya is an Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, in Canada.

This role enables her to participate in broader discussions concerning the protection of Ukrainian citizens' rights, information sharing, and communication with relevant institutions.

The experience gained through VONA Foundation's community work, together with the concerns raised by Ukrainian families, helps identify both individual needs and broader issues requiring attention.

Meeting with Ontario Ombudsman: Sharing Experience and Exploring Future Dialogue

During the meeting with Barbara Finlay, participants discussed the role of ombudsman institutions in promoting fairness, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.

Particular attention was given to the importance of access to information and understanding how complaint and review mechanisms operate.

For many Ukrainian newcomers, Canada's public administration system is unfamiliar. Individuals may not understand the differences between federal, provincial, and municipal responsibilities or which institution has the authority to address a particular concern.

Ontario Ombudsman examines matters within its legislated jurisdiction, including complaints involving certain provincial public services and institutions. Identifying the appropriate authority is therefore an important step in helping individuals seek assistance effectively.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives and practices on improving public awareness of rights and available complaint mechanisms.

Both sides expressed openness to continued professional dialogue and information sharing.

Next Steps: Understanding the Needs of Ukrainians Across Canada

An important direction for future work is the identification and documentation of challenges experienced by Ukrainian citizens in different Canadian provinces.

Working with community advisors and representatives of Ukrainian communities, Nadiya Yashan is contributing to efforts to develop a Canada-wide overview of the most pressing concerns.

A national survey is also being planned to better understand the experiences and needs of Ukrainians, particularly regarding access to information, legal support, public services, and the protection of children's and family rights.

The findings may help inform future educational programs, community resources, and consultations with relevant institutions.

For VONA Foundation, this approach represents a natural continuation of its longstanding commitment to supporting Ukrainian women and families.

Meaningful Cooperation Begins with Dialogue

The meeting with Ontario Ombudsman marked an important step in strengthening professional connections and improving mutual understanding of human rights protection mechanisms in Canada.

VONA Foundation values the openness of Canadian institutions to discussing the needs of newcomer communities and exploring opportunities for continued information exchange.

The organization remains committed to supporting Ukrainian women, children, and families through educational initiatives, community engagement, and improved access to information about their rights and available support.

Successful integration requires more than opportunities to study or work. It also requires an understanding of one's rights, a sense of security, and confidence in knowing where to turn when assistance is needed.