Ex-Iraqi president Barham Salih elected as next UNHCR chief

The United Nations General Assembly has elected former president of Iraq Barham Salih as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, succeeding Filippo Grandi, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday (18 Dec).

Salih was chosen following a competitive selection process held in New York that drew candidates from several countries, said a press release.

He is expected to assume office on 1 January 2026 and will be based at UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.

Welcoming the decision, outgoing high commissioner Filippo Grandi said Salih brings decades of high-level public service and diplomatic experience to the role.

He noted that Salih’s background, coming from a country affected by conflict, persecution and displacement, gives him first-hand insight into the realities faced by refugees worldwide.

Grandi said Salih is well suited to lead UNHCR at a time when global displacement remains at record levels and humanitarian responses are becoming increasingly complex amid political and funding challenges.

Filippo Grandi’s 10-year tenure as high commissioner will conclude on 31 December 2025.

Appointed in January 2016, he oversaw UNHCR’s response to major displacement crises, including those in Syria, Ukraine and Sudan.

Despite significant cuts in humanitarian funding this year, UNHCR continues to operate in 128 countries, with nearly 90% of its more than 14,600 staff deployed in the field.

This month, the agency is marking its 75th anniversary of providing protection and assistance to people forced to flee their homes.