, Dec. 19 -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Friday welcomed former Iraqi president Barham Salih for being elected as the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

Salih was elected by the UN General Assembly in New York through a competitive selection process involving candidates from several countries.

He will assume office on January 1, 2026, with Geneva as his duty station.

Grandi said Salih has been engaged in high-level public service for more than three decades and possesses resolute leadership qualities and thoughtful diplomatic judgment.

"He comes from a country that has experienced conflict, persecution and displacement in recent years, which gives him a direct understanding of the challenges facing refugees...