Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

(Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee)

The General Assembly (GA) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations (UN). It is a forum where member states of the UN can discuss and coordinate on a wide range of international issues. The GA is composed of all 193 member states of the UN and meets once a year in a regular session, usually in September, at UN headquarters in New York. 

The Third Committee of the GA is specifically focused on social, humanitarian, and cultural issues. The committee is responsible for considering a wide range of social and humanitarian questions, including human rights, the advancement of women, the rights of children, indigenous issues, and the treatment of refugees.

It is composed of all 193 UN member states and holds its annual session from October to December, in parallel with the General Assembly's main session. During its session, the Third Committee hears from independent experts, member states, and non-governmental organizations to gather information and perspectives on a variety of social and humanitarian issues.

Additionally, the Third Committee is responsible for drafting and negotiating text on a range of issues that are later adopted by the General Assembly as resolutions. These resolutions are not legally binding, but carry political weight and serve as a way for the international community to express its views on important social and humanitarian issues.

In recent years, the Third Committee has addressed a number of urgent global issues, including the rights of refugees and migrants, violence against women and girls, and the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of counter-terrorism efforts. Through its work, the committee aims to promote and protect the rights and well-being of individuals and communities around the world, and to support the development of policies and programs that advance these objectives.

In conclusion, the Third Committee of the General Assembly plays a vital role in the United Nations' efforts to address a range of social, humanitarian, and cultural issues. Its work helps to ensure that the voices and perspectives of individuals and communities are heard and considered in the development of international policies and programs that affect their lives.

Topic 2023: Taking Responsibility to Improve Support for Climate Migrants

This year, we will discuss how the UN can take responsibility and improve support for climate migrants, since climate change is expected to be a leading cause of forced displacement and for many refugees, it is already a reality of displacement and many have to flee their homes because of the issue.