UN and laws of war need 'fresh look', says head of aid charity Mercy Corps

The head of international aid charity MercyCorps, Tjada McKenna, contends that the United Nations and global laws of war need a significant overhaul, citing the growing number of conflicts, the rise in global hunger, and the prevalence of unpunished breaches of humanitarian laws. McKenna argues that the existing international frameworks, such as the UN Security Council and the Geneva protocols, require a fresh perspective to ensure equal representation and enforceable consequences.

The last year saw some of the deadliest battles for aid workers, particularly in Gaza, where over 1,000 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire in October 2020. McKenna emphasizes the need for innovative solutions, not just from governments, but from the general public, who must understand that conflicts can affect everyone.

She also highlights the critical need to rethink humanitarian systems, particularly in light of the ongoing Iran conflict, which has strained aid supply chains due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. McKenna stresses the importance of investing in preventive measures, such as building resilience, as it is far more cost-effective than dealing with crises after they occur.

Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the potential for positive change, citing the power of storytelling and increased awareness to drive progress.