Barham Salih Elected as New UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president, has been elected as the new UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The 193-member UN General Assembly elected him without a vote. Salih, nominated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, will begin his five-year term on January 1, 2026.
In a decisive move, the United Nations General Assembly elected Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president, as the next UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Thursday.
Salih, who overcame persecution under Saddam Hussein, was elected without a vote by the assembly's 193 members following a nomination by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
This leadership transition marks a new chapter as Salih takes over from Italy's Filippo Grandi, who has led the agency since 2016. Salih will commence his five-year term on January 1, 2026.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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