The United Nations has appointed Iraqi politician Barham Ahmed Salih as High Commissioner for Refugees, effective 1 January 2026, after a nomination that breaks the European leadership tradition.
Barham Ahmed Salih Appointed as High Commissioner
On 12 December, Reuters reported the appointment of Iraqi politician Barham Ahmed Salih as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, citing documents accessed by journalists. The same day, TVN reporter Marcin Wrona and the portal Devex also confirmed the news. According to media findings, the nomination was put forward by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a day earlier.
The appointment marks a departure from the long tradition of European leadership within the UN Refugee Agency. Salih will serve a five‑year term beginning 1 January 2026. The nomination is temporary and must receive approval from the Refugee Agency’s Executive Committee.
Polish Candidates Vie for the Post
Szymon Hołownia announced on 29 September that he is seeking the High Commissioner position. By mid‑November, a report indicated that the former Speaker of the Sejm was among a short list of three candidates. Roman Mazur, director of Floor4Africa and former European Parliament candidate with Poland 2050, also applied. If a Polish politician is chosen, it could signal a new direction from the historically European-dominated post.
Selection Process and Authority
Applications were accepted until 6 October, with candidates from countries including Turkey, Germany, Denmark, Pakistan, and Switzerland. Swiss diplomat Suzanne Burgener, former UN envoy to Myanmar, was among the favorites. The Secretary-General selects the candidate, but the choice requires endorsement by the General Assembly. The current commissioner, Filippo Grandi, will see his term conclude in December.