UNHCR Chief Barham Salih Urges Middle East Leaders to End the Cycle of Devastating Wars

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has urged the Middle East not to abandon efforts to end violent conflicts, emphasizing that the lost opportunities resulting from war affect everyone globally. In an interview with The National, Barham Salih stated that lessons must be learned from history, noting that forced displacement has regrettably become a defining feature of contemporary times due to ongoing conflict and repression.

Mr. Salih emphasized that the region must critically examine these dynamics, pointing out the immense waste of human lives, opportunities, wealth, and talent. He called upon leaders across the region and the world to reflect on the situation, stressing the urgent need to break free from relentless cycles of conflict. Speaking at the New York offices of the UNHCR, Mr. Salih was working to gather international support for the commission's mission and renewing backing for the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the convention, which was established after the Second World War, he underscored the vital importance of protecting individuals forced to flee persecution, violence, and conflict. With more than 41 million legally recognized refugees globally, excluding the internally displaced, he maintained that the foundational principle of protection remains as critical as ever.

Addressing the political pressures surrounding migration and border controls, Mr. Salih acknowledged the political constraints faced by officials globally but firmly rejected calls to close borders entirely. He argued that upholding the integrity of the asylum system is a central responsibility of shared humanity and a fundamental national interest, distinct from legitimate, humane, and legal state border controls.

Reflecting on historical crises such as the uprising and civil war in Syria, Mr. Salih noted that early intervention could have mitigated the massive displacement that ultimately impacted politics worldwide. He currently aims to reduce the number of long-term displaced individuals by 50 percent over the next decade, addressing protracted displacement situations where two-thirds of refugees have spent five years or more dependent on aid.

Having visited countries including Afghanistan, Syria, Chad, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and Mali, Mr. Salih highlighted that most refugees ultimately wish to return home, emphasizing that being a refugee is intended to be temporary rather than a permanent state. Drawing from his own personal experience as a refugee who fled the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq and found protection and education in the United Kingdom, he pointed out that refugees can become significant contributors to the economies and labor markets of host nations, citing Poland as an example.

Finally, addressing ongoing crises in Yemen, Sudan, and other regions, Mr. Salih warned of severe humanitarian catastrophes and insisted that these conflicts demand political solutions rather than solely humanitarian responses. He stressed that the senseless violence must stop and that those responsible for war crimes must be brought to justice.