Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Topic I: Preventing Child Exploitation With the Growing Influence of Social Media
Topic II: Artificial Intelligence in the Global Workplace
The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) was established in 1948 as one of the six main committees of the United Nations General Assembly. Its origins are deeply rooted in the need to address pressing social and humanitarian issues following World War II. The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that same year set the stage for SOCHUM to champion the protection and promotion of human rights globally.
Over the decades, SOCHUM has played a pivotal role in addressing various topics, including the rights of children, refugees, and indigenous peoples. Its resolutions have significantly influenced international human rights law and policy, often acting as a catalyst for broader legislative changes in member states. For instance, SOCHUM's work on disability rights culminated in the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, which has since served as a vital framework for advocacy and policy development.
The committee continues to adapt to emerging global challenges, including the rise of misinformation in digital media and the ongoing fight for disability rights. Through its work, SOCHUM strives to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their fundamental rights, promoting a just and equitable world.
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Poppy Stowell-Evans
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
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Marah Rigaud
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Marah Rigaud is a sophomore at Yale University majoring in Political Science and African American Studies, with a certificate in Human Rights. Originally from Long Island, New York, she has been actively involved in Model United Nations for several years, previously serving as Assistant Secretary-General of General Assemblies for Yale Model United Nations Long Island (YMUN LI) and competing as a delegate on Yale’s collegiate Model UN team, MUNTY.
Beyond Model UN, Marah is deeply involved in campus life as Head of Speakers for the Yale Black Solidarity Conference (BSC), Membership Coordinator for the Black Student Alliance at Yale (BSAY), a writer for Yale’s Undergraduate Legal Journal and a member of the Yale Polo Team. In her free time, she enjoys painting, playing the viola, and exploring creative expression.
Marah is honored to be part of SECSY’s inaugural conference and looks forward to fostering a weekend of diplomacy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue among delegates.