Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee (SOCHUM) is the third General Assembly of the United Nations, tasked with a broad mandate surrounding social, humanitarian and human rights issues from around the world. To delineate a general idea of the committee, some issues discussed within SOCHUM include but are not limited to: human rights, global literacy, women’s rights, children’s rights, the treatment of refugees and displaced persons, international drug control, crime prevention, and the elimination of racism and discrimination. SOCHUM also works closely with many other UN bodies in order to effectually address its mandated issues.

SOCHUM is a beginner-friendly committee: while experienced delegates will do very well on this committee, first-time or less experienced MUN attendees will also be able to excel. Position papers are not mandatory for this committee, but are highly encouraged nonetheless, to aid in your preparation.

Non-Governmental Organizations

In addition to the member states of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be represented in SOCHUM. Up to four delegates will represent two NGOs each, one for each topic. NGOs will not be allowed to sponsor any working papers/draft resolution or vote on substantive matters, but will otherwise be able to participate fully in committee and will be eligible for awards. The specific organizations that will be represented in SOCHUM are listed in the country matrix below. The option to represent an NGO can be selected on the Delegate Registration form.

Topic A: International Drug Control (Click to show summary)

Topic B: Protecting the Rights of the Romani People (“Gypsies”) (Click to show summary)

The SOCHUM staff have written, in addition to the general backgrounder, a supplementary guide that takes a closer look at some of the underlying issues of drug trafficking. While the information in the supplement is not, strictly speaking, necessarily to understand international drug trafficking (Topic A), delegates are nonetheless encouraged to read it to gain a more complete perspective.

Download the Background Guide



Download the Supplement

Download the Rules of Procedure






Country Matrix (Click to show)

Tascha Shahriari-Parsa | Director

Tascha is a high school student currently attending Prince of Wales Secondary with an eager interest in Model United Nations. After managing to fit ten conferences into his schedule within a single school year, he continues to relish every Model UN experience, and hopes to successfully play his role at VMUN to make the same true for others. In addition to contemplating the many facets that define our existence, Tascha spends an ample portion of his spare time playing and composing music, debating, and helping out with environmental groups. Nothing, however, could surpass his devotion to MUN; and with that said, he looks forward to directing SOCHUM the same way that Karl Marx would have looked forward to a communist revolution.

Jura Yun | Chair

Jura Yun is a senior student at Earl Haig Secondary School in Toronto. She was an active member of her school’s Senior Model United Nations class last year and is participating again this year at her new school. Her interest in global affairs has intensified since attending VMUN 2012, at which the energy and the professionalism of all the delegates respectively blew her away, and soon after, her interest in global affairs intensified. She enjoys reading and writing and was the assistant media editor at her previous school, York House. She has also spent much of her time volunteering at the Lyceum of Literature and Art, an establishment that organizes book clubs and writer’s workshops for all age groups. Though comparatively new to MUN, she is eager to immerse herself even further. As the Chair of SOCHUM, she hopes to help make this year’s conference a great success!

Simone Cheng | Assistant Director

Simone Cheng is a twelfth grader at Crofton House School. She has been actively participating in Model United Nations for close to three years and has developed a deep interest in international relations. To relax, she enjoys sitting in her backyard with a book and a cup of Thomas Hass latte. She looks forward to meeting the delegates and encourages everyone, especially those new to MUN, to be active and vocal in committee sessions.

Lucy Fox | Assistant Director

Lucy Fox is a grade 12, French immersion student at Argyle Secondary School. Her hobbies include writing and painting, and she has done extensive work on her school yearbook. She plays and coaches soccer for her district club, and also plays for the Seniors Girls team at her school. Her club involvement within her school includes Best Buddies, Student Council, and Grad Council. As a delegate at last year’s VMUN conference, Lucy thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is now looking forward to being an Assistant Director for SOCHUM at this year’s conference.

You can reach the dais at sochum@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Your position papers should also be emailed to this address.

© 2013 Vancouver Model United Nations