The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) is the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. It was established in 1945 and later helped with the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. SOCHUM focuses on issues related to basic human rights that should be enjoyed by everyone worldwide. This includes the right to life, the freedom to express cultures, the right to participate in politics, protecting children’s rights, and promoting social development. SOCHUM also deals with issues concerning special groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, crime victims, and those affected by drugs. SOCHUM aims to create peaceful solutions to social, humanitarian, and cultural problems around the world. It studies human rights issues, listens to experts, and works with other UN agencies to create resolutions that influence practices in member states. SOCHUM also initiates studies that encourage recommendations for the promotion of international cooperation and fundamental freedoms for all.

Venezuela remains in a profound political and human rights crisis following the disputed 2024 presidential election. Amid widespread and credible allegations of election fraud, Nicolás Maduro was declared victorious by state-controlled institutions. This was strongly supported by countries like Russia and China. However, many countries (including the US) and the European Parliament publicly recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the rightful winner. On January 3, 2026, the situation escalated when the United States conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife, who now face charges related to drug trafficking and terrorism. Subsequently, Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the presidency on an interim basis. Despite the removal of Maduro, Venezuela’s authoritarian and repressive state apparatus remains intact. Reports indicate at least 87 new cases of politically motivated detention since January 3. Systemic human rights violations, including violations of due process, freedom of expression, and political participation, continue under the current authorities.

At the same time, Venezuela faces uncertainty regarding its democratic future. New elections are anticipated but have yet to be scheduled, raising concerns over prolonged political instability. The opposition remains excluded from formal governance processes. A central figure in this context is opposition leader María Corina Machado, who, despite being barred from office and forced into exile, continues to advocate for democratic reform and credible elections. Machado has expressed intentions to return to Venezuela and lead a transition toward democracy. SOCHUM delegates face critical questions: how to support free and fair elections, ensure accountability for past and ongoing human rights violations, and prevent further deterioration of Venezuela’s humanitarian and social conditions.

Despite several decades of global development efforts, literacy persists as a fundamental barrier to equity and economic mobility for millions of people. UNESCO asserts that an estimated 754 million youth and adults still cannot read or write, and two-thirds of this population are women and girls. The gap is not solely a product of educational failure; it is a result of intergenerational poverty, stifled health systems, and social exclusion. While primary school enrollment has increased significantly, a global ‘learning crisis’ persists due to crowded classrooms, educators with insufficient training, and scarcity of resources in mother-tongue languages. This challenge is further exacerbated in regions affected by conflict and climate displacement, where prolonged interruptions to formal schooling exist. Moreover, in an increasingly digital world, the definition of literacy also extends into digital and media skill sets, creating disadvantages for those without access to technology or connectivity. As literacy is tied to human rights and democratic participation, certain marginalized populations may be further sidelined or exploited.