KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Protecting humanitarian workers and ensuring access for humanitarian missions is not merely a moral imperative but an obligation under international humanitarian law.
Global Peace Mission (GPM) Malaysia chief executive officer Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said parties to a conflict are duty-bound to respect and protect humanitarian workers, as well as allow and facilitate the delivery of aid to civilians in need.
He stressed that this principle must be upheld consistently, regardless of the parties involved or the location of the conflict.
"However, the responsibility does not rest solely with those on the battlefield. Nations and actors influencing the course of a conflict, through funding, arms supplies or political and military support, must not ignore their obligation to ensure that the support provided does not contribute to serious violations against civilians and humanitarian workers," he said in a statement today.
Ahmad Fahmi, who is also the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) president, said violations against civilians, humanitarian workers, health personnel and protected facilities must be independently investigated, with those responsible brought to justice.
“Protection cannot exist merely in statements, conventions and resolutions. It must be genuinely felt on the ground by those who risk their own safety to save the lives of others," he said.
Ahmad Fahmi said that, according to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, more than 1,000 humanitarian workers were killed between 2023 and 2025.
He stressed that threats to the safety of humanitarian workers could bring relief operations to a halt and deprive communities of access to food, water, medical treatment and other basic aid.
"While there are many international humanitarian operations, local workers form the backbone of relief efforts. They are not merely implementers, they bring local knowledge, community trust and networks that often determine whether aid truly reaches those in need. In Gaza, this reality is far more harrowing.
"Our field workers cannot simply leave the conflict zone after completing their duties because Gaza is their home. They assist families who have lost their homes even as their own homes and families face similar threats. They ensure food, water and aid reach others while grappling with the same shortages, losses and uncertainty," he said.
In conjunction with World Humanitarian Day 2026, observed today, Ahmad Fahmi urged that humanitarian workers not be made targets, stressing that their presence is intended to assist when it is most needed and that they have the right to return home safely.
-- BERNAMA