Ex-refugee Barham Salih becomes UNHCR chief

Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and ex-refugee, has taken office as head of the UN refugee agency and visited Kakuma camp in Kenya; he said the agency faces reduced funding and rising needs.

Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and ex-refugee, has taken office as head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He traveled to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya on his first trip in the role. The agency is dealing with reduced funding and rising global displacement. Salih has said his personal experience of exile informs his perspective on refugee protection and solutions. Key points: - Barham Salih assumed leadership of UNHCR at the start of the year. - He visited Kakuma camp in Kenya, which hosts roughly 300,000 people from several countries. - UNHCR faces significant funding shortfalls and staff reductions, and Salih has emphasized efficiency and meeting legal and moral obligations. Summary: Salih's appointment brings a personal perspective to UNHCR leadership as the agency manages larger refugee numbers and tighter budgets. Undetermined at this time.