Iraq's Barham Salih named new High Commissioner for Refugees
On 18 December 2025, the UN General Assembly elected former President of Iraq Barham Salih as the new High Commissioner for Refugees. He is expected to assume office on January 1, 2026.
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Germany: Fewer refugees seek church asylum as border controls and asylum rules tighten
As Germany has moved to tighten border controls while also stepping up deportations in 2025,, the number of refugees seeking sanctuary in churches has fallen sharply, highlighting how political decisions are reshaping an age-old hum1
Germany: Deportations to Syria resume after 15 years with criminal asylum seeker sent back
Germany has deported a convicted criminal to Syria. This marks the first such deportation since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. The move is seen as a major shift in the country's deportation policy, and is likely to raise1
Afghan refugees at risk as deportations surge in Pakistan
Pakistan is ramping up deportations targeting the over 700,000 Afghans who fled after the Taliban's return to power. Germany recently agreed to take in 160 asylum seekers but has also rolled back earlier promises.
Italian Red Cross President underlines 'no human is illegal and saving lives is a duty'
Italian Red Cross (CRI) President Rosario Valastro has spoken about the number of people welcomed at the migrant hotspot on the stepping stone island of Lampedusa, closer to Africa than to Italy, which is managed by the organization1