Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
December 18, 2025 Refugees and migrants
The UN General Assembly today elected Barham Ahmed Saleh of Iraq as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He will lead the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the decision.
Saleh will replace Filippo Grandi of Italy, to whom the UN chief expressed "deepest gratitude for his leadership and tireless efforts to protect refugees, displaced persons and stateless people."
The new High Commissioner has over thirty years of public service experience in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He served as President of Iraq from 2018 to 2022, twice as Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (2001–2004 and 2009–2012), and as Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq from 2004 to 2009, a position he also held as Minister of Planning.
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes that Saleh has extensive experience in diplomatic, political, and administrative leadership, as well as a deep understanding of human rights and humanitarian issues. His track record includes participation in international and regional processes, experience in crisis negotiations, and national reform. He played a key role in Iraq's post-war reconstruction after 2003.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.