The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee

The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) deals with fundamental human rights in the international community. Founded in 1945 following the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, SOCHUM advocates and enforces the right to life, expression of culture, freedom of political participation, the protection of children’s rights, and the promotion of social development among several others. The committee’s legitimacy is derived from the United Nations Charter where it will operate to design solutions for social, humanitarian, and cultural complications in the international community. 

During this conference, delegates will act as representatives in the General Assembly of SOCHUM to decide how SOCHUM will deal with the following issues.

Indigenous communities around the world have long faced systemic marginalization, particularly in relation to land and natural resource rights. Their ancestral territories, often rich in ecological, mineral, and economic resources, are frequently exploited without consent leading to environment degradation, displacement, and cultural erosion. Despite some international legal protections such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), enforcement remains very inconsistent and weak especially in areas with high industrial or geopolitical interests.

The historical legacies of colonialism continue to shape many Indigenous land disputes today. Governments and corporations have often prioritized extractive industries like mining, logging, or large-scale agriculture over Indigenous sovereignty. In many cases, legal recognition of Indigenous land tenure is limited or non-existent, which enables land grabs and exploitation without proper compensation or consultation.

At the heart of the issue lies the tension between economic development and the protection of human rights. However, these goals do not need to be mutually exclusive. Sustainable and rights-based land management practices can benefit both Indigenous Peoples and the greater society. By ensuring free, prior, and informed consent in these government decisions alongside involving indigenous voices in environmental policy-making are key to addressing these challenges.

1. How can the international community better enforce consistent legal frameworks protecting Indigenous land and their resource rights?

2. What role should Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) play in regulating industrial activity on indigenous territories

3. How can indigenous knowledge systems be incorporated into environmental protection and climate policy?

4. How can governments or corporations be held accountable for violating land rights?

UN Forum on Indigenous Issues

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Rights + Resources Initiative

Landmark: An Exploration of Global Indigenous Communities 

Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

Land Defenders

In the era of rapid digital communication, misinformation has become one of the most pressing global threats. Social media platforms and decentralised news ecosystems allow false information to spread faster than ever before, often undermining the trust in institutions. This has led to inciting violence or obstructing efforts to address global challenges like the pandemic and climate change. 

While traditional journalism once held a monopoly on information dissemination, the rise of citizen and independent journalism has reshaped the media landscape. On one hand, these alternative sources can challenge state-controlled narratives and provide vital information in regions where press freedom is restricted. On the other hand, the lack of regulatory oversight and editorial standard in digital journalism increases the risk of spreading misinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories. 

The duality presents a new challenge. How can we combat harmful misinformation without infringing on free expression or media freedom? The committee must explore ideas that enhance media literacy while also promoting fact-checking infrastructure, and increased transparency in algorithms. At the same time, there should be policies in place to support the safety and legitimacy of independent journalists operating in dangerous or unregulated environments.

1. How can governments balance the fight against digital misinformation while protecting press freedom?

2. What frameworks can ensure the credibility of independent and citizen journalism while minimizing the spread of false information?

3. What role should tech companies play in moderating content and curbing misinformation on their platforms?

4. How can international cooperation support fact-checking efforts and cross-border information sharing?

Handbook for Journalism Education

World Press Freedom Index

Everything about Disinformation