Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee
Approximately 110 Delegations - Double Delegate
Topic A: Freedom of Expression and Access to Media
Topic B: Promotion of Fair and Effective Criminal Justice Standards
SOCHUM addresses social, humanitarian, and human rights problems and works to create a safe and equal world for everyone. Delegates in this committee will explore free speech and expression as well as fair criminal justice standards through diverse international perspectives, while keeping in mind each countries’ individual cultural and religious backgrounds. In SOCHUM, delegates have the chance to protect the fundamental freedoms that all humans deserve.
Dear Delegates,
I’m super excited to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) of ILMUNC! My name is Samantha Fowler, and I look forward to helping facilitate your engaging and impactful discussions across a variety of pressing topics in international humanitarian, social, and cultural issues.
As the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, SOCHUM focuses on questions of social development, humanitarian rights, and cultural preservation. SOCHUM was chartered in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and reflects the foundational aims of protecting fundamental human rights. Respecting and fulfilling social, humanitarian, and cultural rights requires multiple levels of international cooperation, relying on the effective functioning of global and regional organizations. SOCHUM’s comprehensive and ambitious agenda will allow for a variety of solutions for the issues confronting the international community.
A little information about me: I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying philosophy, politics, and economics on the pre-medical track. I’m originally from Houston, Texas. Outside of ILMUNC, I help organize Penn’s college model UN confederation (UPMUNC) as an Under-Secretary General of Crisis Committees, volunteer with harm reduction groups in Philadelphia, facilitate menstrual and sexual health workshops for high schoolers, and am involved in Greek life on campus. I also love exploring Philly’s coffee shops and spending time outdoors. This is my first conference working with ILMUNC, and I hope you all have an educational and enjoyable experience!
Lilah, Kamelia, and I are all looking forward to working with y’all in the SOCHUM committee. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the committee.
Samantha Fowler
Chair, SOCHUM
ssfowler@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am so excited to be able to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian, & Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) of ILMUNC. My name is Lilah Harvey and as one of the moderators, I cannot wait to guide you all through captivating and important discussions that correlate with the various aspects of humanitarian and social issues impacting the world today.
SOCHUM is the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly and focuses on topics related to fundamental human rights in the world. Working for the protection of children, advancement of women, and the protection of essential freedoms along with countless other topics relies on the efficient collaboration of the member states. SOCHUM’s broad scope and agenda will allow for a variety of comprehensive solutions for the issues confronting the international community.
A little bit about me, I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying International Relations on the pre-law track. I am from Rochester, New York and participated in Model UN throughout high school. This will be my first conference with ILMUNC and I am so excited to help provide an engaging and memorable experience for all of you! Outside of ILMUNC, I help plan Penn’s collegiate Model UN Conference, am part of Penn’s Undergraduate Law Journal, and am involved in Greek life on campus. I also love exploring different coffee shops and all Philly has to offer!!
Sam, Kamelia, and I are all looking forward to working with you in the SOCHUM committee. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the committee.
Lilah Harvey
Moderator, SOCHUM
lharvey1@sas.upenn.edu
Dear Delegates,
I am thrilled to welcome you to the Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) at ILMUNC. My name is Kamelija Patoska, and as your moderator, I am eager to facilitate meaningful discussions on a range of issues pivotal to international humanitarian and social affairs.
SOCHUM, often central to addressing complex global issues at the United Nations General Assembly, plays a vital role in shaping international norms on social and humanitarian matters. This committee's focus extends to human rights, the advancement of women, the protection of children, and treatment of refugees, among other significant topics. Through our discussions, we will delve into the nuances of these issues and explore effective strategies for social and humanitarian progress.
A bit about myself—I am a sophomore studying Cognitive Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from North Macedonia, I was actively involved in my high school’s Model UN and Model European Parliament clubs. This is my first year planning a conference with ILMUNC, and I am dedicated to making it a rewarding experience for all. Beyond ILMUNC, I engage with the Penn community by assisting international students through the Assembly of International Students, participating in the Ski Club as well as Greek life. I am passionate about the outdoors, enjoying hiking and skiing whenever possible.
Together with Cory, Sam and Iliah, I am looking forward to an inspiring conference with you all in the SOCHUM committee. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about the committee or our agenda.
Warm regards,
Kamelija Patoska
Moderator, SOCHUM
patoska@sas.upenn.edu