SOCHUM

The Social Cultural and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM) is responsible for dealing with human rights issues, humanitarian affairs and the advancement of women, children and indigenous peoples. SOCHUM is one of six committees within the General Assembly, and it plays a critical role in shaping the global response to human rights abuses and violations. The mandate of SOCHUM is to promote and protect human rights, to encourage the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and to promote respect for the dignity of all people. The Committee holds regular sessions to review human rights situations in specific countries and to consider thematic issues such as the rights of women, children and indigenous peoples. The Committee also has the power to establish special rapporteurs, working groups and independent experts to investigate and report on human rights situations in countries. SOCHUM’s recommendations and resolutions are non-binding, but they are influential in promoting human rights norms and standards, and in shaping the international response to human rights abuses and violations.