Archive · 12 Jan 2026
UN Refugee Chief Barham Salih Shares Exile Pain
Barham Salih, a 65-year-old former president of Iraq, is now the head of the UN refugee agency.
He knows what it's like to be a refugee because he had to leave his home when he was young.
He visited a big refugee camp in Kenya called Kakuma, where about 300,000 people live.
Salih said it's important to help refugees and find ways for them to have better lives.
He also talked about how the UN refugee agency needs more money to help all the people who need it.
He believes that the best solution is for refugees to be able to return home safely.
Barham Salih, 65, former Iraqi president, is the new UNHCR chief, the first former head of state to hold the position.
Salih visited Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, home to 300,000 refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, and Burundi.
He emphasized the importance of durable solutions for refugees, including peace in their home countries.
Salih shared his personal experience of exile, torture, and displacement during his youth in Iraq.
The UNHCR faces significant funding challenges, with refugee numbers doubling to 117 million in the past decade.
- Who
- Barham Salih, former Iraqi president and new UNHCR chief
- What
- Salih visited Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya and discussed refugee challenges
- When
- Recently, with his tenure as UNHCR chief starting at the beginning of the year
- Where
- Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, and his comments were reported by AFP
- Why
- To understand refugee experiences and address funding and operational challenges at UNHCR
- Name
- Barham Salih
- Age
- 65
- Position
- UNHCR Chief
- Previous Role
- Iraqi President (2018-2022)
- Refugee Camp Visited
- Kakuma, Kenya
- Camp Population
- 300,000
- Camp Established
- 1992
- Current Refugee Numbers
- 117 million