High commissioner for refugees nomination

The United Nations General Assembly elected Barham Ahmed Salih of Iraq as the next UN High Commissioner for Refugees, succeeding Filippo Grandi of Italy.

Meeting in New York on 18 December, the Assembly approved the Secretary-General’s recommendation to appoint Salih for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2030.

Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the Assembly’s decision and expressed his “utmost gratitude” to Grandi for his leadership and tireless efforts to protect refugees, displaced persons and stateless people during his tenure at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.