SOCHUM Background Guide

The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee.

Agenda:

The Global Refugee Crisis: Ensuring Protection and Integration

Developing comprehensive approaches to protect refugees and support their integration into host communities.

Chairperson’s Letter:

“Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity.” — Mother Teresa

Dear Delegates,

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) at Schoolhouse MUN. We, Aadya and Jil, are honored to serve as your Chairs for this committee, and we eagerly anticipate the thoughtful debates and collaborative efforts you will bring to our sessions.

SOCHUM, one of the six main committees of the United Nations General Assembly, addresses critical social and humanitarian challenges, working to promote human rights, cultural understanding, and social equity. This committee’s purpose is to inspire global cooperation to create tangible solutions that promote dignity, equality, and inclusivity for all.

This year, our committee will tackle issues that require urgent and thoughtful attention. We encourage you to approach these topics with open-mindedness, empathy, and a commitment to meaningful change. The discussions we have here can spark ideas that go beyond the conference, fostering real-world improvements in communities around the world.

As you prepare, we urge you to delve deeply into your country’s position, explore the historical context of each topic, and consider the perspectives of different stakeholders. We believe that strong preparation will empower you to participate fully in our debates, ask insightful questions, and work toward effective resolutions.

We look forward to meeting each of you and to an engaging, impactful SOCHUM experience at Schoolhouse MUN.

Warm regards,

Aadya S and Jil S

Chairs of the SOCHUM Committee

Background Guide:

Introduction

Across the world, vulnerable populations continue to face discrimination, exploitation, and loss of fundamental rights. Indigenous communities struggle for recognition, children are forced into conflicts, and persons with disabilities are overlooked in humanitarian aid. In conflict zones and marginalized communities, these issues are exacerbated, creating cycles of poverty, exclusion, and human rights abuses.

Indigenous Populations: Indigenous groups worldwide often lack political representation, and many experience threats to their land and culture. Although frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) recognize their rights, these populations face systemic discrimination, resource deprivation, and exclusion from decision-making. In some regions, indigenous groups lack autonomy over their lands, undermining their cultural survival.

Persons with Disabilities in Conflict Zones: In conflict settings, individuals with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, facing disproportionate challenges in accessing humanitarian aid, healthcare, and security. These barriers often leave them without critical assistance in crisis situations. According to the UN Security Council, ensuring protections for people with disabilities requires systematic inclusion in humanitarian responses.

Child Soldiers and Recruitment: Children in conflict zones are frequently recruited as soldiers, often by coercion. The Paris Principles and other international agreements condemn this practice, yet the recruitment of children persists, particularly in areas with high poverty and limited education. Efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former child soldiers remain limited and underfunded, leaving many with trauma and minimal support.

Each of these issues calls for targeted interventions to support, empower, and protect these groups. SOCHUM encourages delegates to explore how existing frameworks can be strengthened and adapted to address these human rights challenges more effectively.

Questions for Consideration:

1. How can we enforce policies that protect indigenous rights while respecting state sovereignty?

2. What steps can be taken to make humanitarian aid more accessible to people with disabilities in conflict zones? 3. What can be done to support the rehabilitation of former child soldiers and prevent child recruitment?

As delegates, your goal is to advocate for inclusive solutions, uphold human rights, and foster a commitment to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable communities worldwide.

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