For the First Time, a Former Refugee Will Lead the U.N.’s Refugee Agency
For the First Time, a Former Refugee Will Lead the U.N.’s Refugee Agency
Barham Salih, who fought against Saddam Hussein’s rule in Iraq and later served as president, was chosen to lead the U.N. High Commission for Refugees.
Read the full article on NY Times World
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim about Barham Salih leading the UNHCR is plausible given the Devex article (2) but contradicted by other Devex article (4) which states that a former Belgian prime minister was picked to lead UNDP. The claim about Salih's past is unverified within the provided sources. The article appears minimally biased, presenting the information in a straightforward manner.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Barham Salih was chosen to lead the U.N. High Commission for Refugees.
- Verification Source #2: Devex reports that a former Iraqi president was picked to lead the UN Refugee Agency.
- Verification Source #4: Devex reports that a former Belgian prime minister was picked to lead UNDP.
- Verification Source #5: The UN states that UNHCR is the lead agency with respect to the protection of refugees.
- Assessment: The claim is plausible based on one Devex article (2), but contradicted by another Devex article (4) which discusses the UNDP leadership. The UN source (5) confirms UNHCR's role. This claim is therefore of mixed accuracy.
- Claim: Barham Salih fought against Saddam Hussein’s rule in Iraq and later served as president.
- Assessment: This claim is unverified by the provided sources.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Devex.com reports: 'Exclusive: Former Iraqi president picked to lead UN Refugee Agency.'
- Devex.com reports: 'UN picks former Belgian prime minister to lead UNDP'