Mercy Corps CEO Calls for Reassessment of Global Humanitarian Laws

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Aug 28, 2026 ALN: The surge in Middle East conflict, the rise in global hunger, and unpunished breaches of the laws of war underline the need for a “fresh look” at the systems that govern our world, the chief executive of Mercy Corps, Tjada McKenna, stated. This call for a reassessment of global humanitarian laws comes at a time when the international community is grappling with the complexities of modern warfare and its impact on civilian populations.

International humanitarian law (IHL), designed to protect civilians, medics, and aid workers, has been flouted in several conflicts worldwide. The principles of IHL are rooted in the Geneva Conventions, which establish standards for humanitarian treatment in war. However, enforcement of these laws has proven to be a significant challenge, particularly in areas where conflicts are ongoing and the rule of law has collapsed. Last year was one of the bloodiest on record for aid workers, particularly in Gaza, where more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since a ceasefire was reached last October. This statistic highlights not only the human cost of the conflict but also the dangers faced by those trying to provide aid and assistance in volatile regions.

“The checks and balances systems are being tested and violated,” Ms. McKenna said. “We need to come up with something different and make sure there are consequences. That's easier said than done.” Her remarks underscore a growing frustration with the existing frameworks that are supposed to safeguard human rights and humanitarian access. The lack of accountability for violations of IHL has led to a culture of impunity, where perpetrators of war crimes often face no repercussions for their actions.

US-based NGO Mercy Corps operates in conflict, disaster, and poverty zones, providing emergency response, food, and economic solutions across 40 countries worldwide. The organization has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of war on civilian populations and the critical need for robust humanitarian responses. In many cases, these responses are hindered by ongoing violence and the obstruction of aid delivery, which is often exacerbated by the very laws that are meant to protect humanitarian workers.

Ms. McKenna highlighted that the structures governing international relations have remained largely unchanged for 80 years. The UN Security Council, established in 1945, grants veto power to five countries—France, Russia, China, the US, and Britain—reflecting the victors of the Second World War. This structure has been criticized for being outdated and unrepresentative of the current geopolitical landscape, where emerging powers and regional players play a significant role in global affairs. The concentration of power in the hands of a few nations often leads to gridlock in decision-making processes, preventing timely and effective responses to humanitarian crises.

“The Geneva protocols, the UN system, in terms of who is in power and who has veto power—all those things need a fresh look to develop institutions that work for everybody equally,” she added. This perspective aligns with a broader discourse on the need for reform in international governance to ensure that it reflects contemporary realities and addresses the needs of all nations and peoples, not just those with historical power.

Despite attempts to resolve conflicts, diplomacy has often failed to yield results. For instance, US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan in Gaza included a ceasefire and a reconstruction and governance plan, neither of which has materialized. The lack of effective mediation and diplomatic engagement has left many conflicts unresolved and has perpetuated cycles of violence. A Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran signed in June to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz also faced breaches through attacks, illustrating the fragile nature of agreements in a highly volatile region.

Mediators have been working to end the Ukraine-Russia war, and while temporary truces were observed, a comprehensive ceasefire remains elusive since 2022. The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and in need of assistance. The failure to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine is indicative of the challenges faced by the international community in addressing conflicts that are deeply rooted in historical grievances, national interests, and geopolitical rivalries.

In conclusion, the need for a reevaluation of international humanitarian laws is pressing, as the current systems are failing to protect those most vulnerable in conflict zones. As Ms. McKenna pointed out, the prevailing frameworks are being tested in ways that they were not designed to handle, and without significant reform, the international community risks further exacerbating humanitarian crises around the globe. The call for a fresh look at these laws is not merely an academic exercise; it is a necessary step towards ensuring that humanitarian principles are upheld and that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in. The implications of such a reassessment could lead to more effective mechanisms for accountability, improved protection for civilians, and ultimately, a more just international order.