First Refugee to Lead UNHCR Calls for Humanity During Difficult Historical Moment

Barham Salih, the first refugee to lead UNHCR, emphasises the urgent need for global support amid a significant decline in funding and rising repression of immigrants. He advocates for safeguarding the 1951 refugee convention and calls for a collective humanitarian response.

The UN refugee agency's new leader, Barham Salih, has highlighted the world's current challenges in dealing with refugees. He emphasised the growing repression of immigrants and the decreasing funds available to protect them. Salih, without directly referencing the Trump administration, noted that his office must be creative to address these issues, especially with a significant reduction in US financial support.

Salih, who began his role as high commissioner for refugees on January 1, stressed the importance of upholding the 1951 refugee convention. This comes as the Trump administration encourages other governments to join efforts to redefine asylum rules. Salih described this as both an international legal obligation and a moral duty.

Funding Challenges and Strategic Adaptation

According to the UNHCR, there are 117.3 million forcibly displaced individuals globally from 194 countries. Salih faces the task of supporting around 30 million refugees with reduced resources. In 2024 and 2025, US funding decreased from USD 2.1 billion to USD 800 million, yet it remains UNHCR's largest donor.

"Resources made available to helping refugees are being constrained and limited in very, very significant way," Salih stated. The Trump administration is also reviewing the US asylum system and plans to suspend the refugee programme in 2025, limiting entries to 7,500, primarily white South Africans.

Meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Salih has already met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and expressed gratitude for the pontiff's support. "The voice of the church and faith-based organisations in this endeavour is absolutely vital," Salih said. He acknowledged the importance of moral support from religious leaders in advocating for refugees.

Salih's personal experiences as a refugee influence his work significantly. He first fled Iraq for Iran as a teenager in 1974 and later sought refuge in the UK after being arrested under Saddam Hussein's regime. He returned to Iraq and served as president from 2018-2022.

Field Visits and Personal Insights

Since assuming his new role, Salih has visited refugees from Sudan's civil war in Chad and those from Somalia, Congo, and Ethiopia in Kenya. Despite witnessing funding challenges firsthand, he remains optimistic about his work. "Refugees are not just numbers and victims," he said.

The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement as part of its promise to increase deportations. This has led to criticism over deportations to third countries and public outrage over fatal shootings by federal officers.

Salih believes adapting to a changing world is necessary. His agency aims to be more cost-effective by delivering aid directly to those in need rather than perpetuating dependency on humanitarian assistance.

Salih did not discuss recent events in Minneapolis related to immigration enforcement protests during his interview. However, he remains hopeful about finding solutions through collaboration and innovation.

With inputs from PTI