Statement by Dr. Barham Salih upon His Election as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
I am honoured to have been elected as the incoming United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As a former refugee, I know first-hand how protection and opportunity can change the course of a life. That experience will inform a leadership approach grounded in...
Grandi welcomes election of Barham Salih as UN High Commissioner for Refugees
GENEVA – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi today welcomed the election by the General Assembly in New York of former President of Iraq Barham Salih as his successor to lead UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The incoming High Commissioner was...
UNHCR: Global refugee gathering ends with substantial new solidarity pledges
GENEVA – Over 30 new pledges were made at the second Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, which concluded today after three days of collaboration that reaffirmed international solidarity and commitment to improving the lives of refugees and the communities that host...
UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi lauds refugee champions at his final Nansen Refugee Award ceremony
GENEVA – Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, last night lauded four exceptional individuals and a front-line organization, in the presence of UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett, for winning UNHCR’s Nansen Refugee Award, celebrating...
High Commissioner’s opening speech at the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review 2025
By Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in Geneva Consigliere federale – caro Ignazio, Chère Zakia, Distinguished delegates, Colleagues and friends, On 15 December 2023, exactly two years ago, the Second Global Refugee Forum came to its conclusion. It...
UNHCR: ‘We need Canada to be an advocate for peace’
On December 8, 2025, UNHCR Canada Representative Tracey Maulfair was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR). Below are her opening...
UNHCR at 75 – keeping our collective promises alive
This is a summary of what was said by Ewan Watson, UNHCR’s Head of Global Communications – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. “Refugees, you are not alone.” That’s our message...
UNHCR Nansen Award winners show compassion for refugees is alive and well
GENEVA – Four extraordinary individuals and a front-line national organization, who have demonstrated inspirational courage and compassion by helping those forced to flee, have won this year’s prestigious Nansen Refugee Award from UNHCR, the UN Refugee...