Barham Salih poised to be next UN refugee chief, document reveals

A UN document indicates former Iraqi President Barham Salih is set to be proposed as the next UN High Commissioner for Refugees, succeeding Filippo Grandi. The UN has not officially confirmed the appointment, stating the selection process is still ongoing.
Former Iraqi President Barham Salih is reportedly in line to become the United Nations' next top official for refugees, according to a document obtained by Anadolu. The UN internal memo suggests Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will propose Salih to lead the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for a five-year term starting in 2026.
Details of the proposed appointment
The dated document outlines that Guterres plans to present Salih's name to the UN General Assembly for election at the end of 2025. This would follow the conclusion of the current term of High Commissioner Filippo Grandi. The proposed tenure would run from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, placing a Middle Eastern statesman at the helm of one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations.
Official UN confirmation pending
The United Nations has not formally verified the document or the planned nomination. During a press briefing in Geneva, UN Director of Information Services Alessandra Vellucci stated, "For the moment, I would just like to say that the process is ongoing, and once it's finished, there will be an official announcement made by the United Nations." This leaves the reported selection unconfirmed by the international body itself.
Significance of the potential selection
If confirmed and approved, Salih's appointment would mark a significant leadership transition at UNHCR. A seasoned politician from a region deeply affected by displacement, his nomination would bring firsthand perspective to the agency's core mandate of protecting refugees and resolving crises worldwide. The final decision rests with the UN General Assembly following the Secretary-General's formal proposal.
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