UNHCR chief urges Middle East leaders to end endless wars and displacement

In an interview, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih urged Middle Eastern leaders not to abandon efforts to end the region’s perpetual wars, describing the human and economic costs as “so many lives wasted.” He called for a renewed commitment to the 1951 Refugee Convention, celebrating its 75-year legacy of safeguarding people fleeing persecution, conflict and violence. Salih warned that the majority of the 41 million legally recognised refugees are in protracted displacement, with two-thirds remaining displaced for five years or longer.

He cited the Syrian crisis as an example of how early international action could have reduced massive population movements and their global repercussions. Salih also highlighted ongoing humanitarian emergencies in Yemen, Sudan and other conflict zones, urging political solutions and accountability for war crimes while stressing the need for a humane, rights-based asylum system.