December 10 is UN Human Rights Day, a moment to reaffirm the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person. This year’s theme, Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials, reminds us that these rights are not abstract concepts—they are the foundations we rely on each day to live with dignity, safety, and hope.
For Ukrainians, such “everyday essentials” are being stripped away by Russia through relentless attacks on civilians, the targeted destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and critical energy infrastructure, the displacement of families and entire communities, and the abduction and illegal transfer of children.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s human and civil rights initiatives support and promote civil society organizations in Ukraine that work to strengthen democratic governance, transparency, and accountability, while documenting Russia’s crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation engages with organizations that promote human rights advocacy, build policy influence capacity, and address critical humanitarian issues. This includes the rescue and rehabilitation of abducted and forcibly relocated Ukrainian children thanks to our partner Save Ukraine, providing vital support to the youngest victims of the war.
Funding empowers local activists and NGOs to implement just, inclusive policies, while building sustainable advocacy networks.
Our efforts help strengthen Ukraine’s civil society infrastructure and advance fundamental human rights protections for all Ukrainians, particularly vulnerable and at-risk populations.
Human rights are the essentials we rely on every day and are vital to daily life. Together, let’s make human rights a reality for Ukrainians, every day.
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About the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
Founded in 1995 during the 18th Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was established to coordinate, develop, and deliver humanitarian assistance from Canadians to Ukraine. CUF continues to play a vital role as a national charitable foundation, working to monitor, promote, and support humanitarian aid initiatives. Its mission includes evaluating projects, fostering collaboration among aid providers, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. CUF also serves as a forum for individuals and organizations—across community, private, and public sectors—committed to supporting Ukraine. In addition to its work abroad, CUF also supports related initiatives within Canada.