Nataliia’s Remarkable Story

My Life Before February 2022

I am Nataliia Nahorna, a Ukrainian lawyer and advocate with 20 years of legal experience. Throughout my career, I have been committed to providing effective defence and representing the interests of victims and witnesses in social issues, and I am the proud founder of Nataliia Nahorna Advocacy Bureau ‘Alibi’ in Ukraine.

Since 2018, I have been an active member and coordinator of the Association of Women Lawyers of Ukraine in the Zhytomyr region. Our organisation works tirelessly to prevent and combat domestic violence, provide legal assistance to victims of sexual violence, and fight against all forms of gender discrimination.

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine

When war broke out, we spent many nights in our basement. We hoped that it would soon be over, but after Russian missiles targeted residential buildings, schools, and hospitals, injuring and killing civilians, I knew that Russia was violating international humanitarian law.

So, I packed my things in an hour and left with my daughter to the safer Zakarpattia region of Ukraine. We boarded a train for 20 hours, packed full of people and animals. We stayed in Zakarpattia for two months, but it was still unsafe, so I decided to move to another country.

We eventually arrived in London, where we were taken in by a sponsor family who supported and provided us with stability. Although I could not speak English, they helped me to register with all the necessary institutions, including a doctor and dentist, and to apply for the right to work in the UK.

Keeping My Identity

I had the opportunity to meet an incredible person who became my Employment Advisor on World Jewish Relief’s Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP). She helped me realise that I am not alone, and that I cannot lose my identity. We even created a plan to help me reach my goal of working as a lawyer, able to provide legal aid to society. The first step was to study English, which I am doing four times a week for two hours, free of charge.

Ukraine’s Proud People

I want people to understand that Ukrainians are a strong and proud nation. The full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war has led to one of the biggest humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge and work abroad, including in Great Britain.

Most of the displaced are women and children, many of whom are highly educated, having previously worked as lawyers, economists, doctors, teachers, and so on. Ukrainians are not afraid of hard work and are eager to contribute to British society. We learn quickly and strive to get back on our feet as soon as possible so that we can support Ukraine and return to rebuild it with our new experience and knowledge.

Refugee Week 2023

It is our collective responsibility as global citizens to empower those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution. By becoming a Refugee Week ambassador, I aim to shape society’s perception of refugee rights and their struggles, promoting empathy, understanding, and support.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a mass exodus of people, particularly women and children, seeking refuge in safer countries. These individuals did not choose to leave their homes; rather, they were forced to do so under dire circumstances. In some cases, they had to make life-changing decisions in a matter of hours to ensure their survival and that of their loved ones. As human beings, it is our duty to value and protect life, especially that of innocent children who represent the future of our nation.

It is my hope that together, we can create a world where refugees are welcomed with open arms and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Thank you.