SCOPE AND POWERS OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND ITS
THIRD COMMITTEE
Functions and Powers
The Assembly may advise States on international issues that come within its purview. It has also taken political, economic, humanitarian, social, and legal actions that have benefitted millions worldwide.
Achieving specific goals for peace, security, disarmament, development, and poverty eradication; safeguarding human rights and promoting the rule of law; protecting our common environment; meeting Africa's unique needs; strengthening the United Nations
In September 2015, the Assembly approved 17 SDGs, which were included in the outcome document of the UN Summit on Post-2015 Development.
The UN Charter empowers the General Assembly to:
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Approve the UN budget and the Member States' budget projections.
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Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and other UN bodies and agencies, as well as the Secretary-General.
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Precisely what do you mean by "global collaboration for peace and security"?
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Unless the Security Council is already addressing a dispute or crisis, discuss and offer recommendations on any international peace and security topic.
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Subject to the same exemption, discuss and make suggestions on matters relating to the Charter or affecting the authority and activities of any UN organization
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Start research and offer suggestions to enhance international political cooperation, development and codification of international law, human rights and basic freedoms, and international economic, social and humanitarian cooperation.
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Consider nonviolent solutions to any problem that threatens international relations.
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Take into consideration UN Security Council and other reports.
Whenever there is a threat to, or violation of, the peace, the Assembly may act instead of the Security Council if a permanent member votes no. In such circumstances, the Assembly may act swiftly to maintain or restore global peace and security, as outlined in its “Uniting for Peace” resolution of 3 November 1950.
UNGA III: Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee (SOCHUM)
HISTORY:
SOCHUM, like the other main GA committees, was established in 1947. It also follows the UN Charter's General Assembly standards. The SOCHUM has 193 members. Non-member countries and other UN-designated permanent observers are allowed to attend and participate, but cannot vote. Unlike member states.
SCOPE:
H.E. Katalin Bogyay of Hungary heads the UNGA's Third Committee.
The General Assembly assigns agenda items to the Third Committee relating to global social, humanitarian, and human rights issues.
As in previous sessions, the Committee will examine human rights concerns, including reports from the Human Rights Council's special procedures, established in 2006. In October 2020, the Committee will hear from special rapporteurs, independent experts, and working group chairs.
The Committee also tackles issues such as women's advancement, child safety, indigenous concerns, refugee treatment, fundamental freedoms promotion, and the right to self-determination. The Committee also addresses important social issues such as youth, family, aging, disability, crime prevention, criminal justice, and global drug control.
The 74th General Assembly's Third Committee reviewed 63 draft resolutions, more than half of which were only on the human rights agenda. Among them were three so-called country-specific human rights resolutions.
During the current General Assembly session, the Third Committee will consider a similar number of draft resolutions.
MANDATE:
Forum for debate of social, humanitarian, and cultural issues, especially human rights. The SOCHUM and its offshoot, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), lead in drafting comprehensive resolutions on these problems. For example, the SOCHUM website lists women's rights, child protection, refugee and economic migrant treatment as well as the right to self-determination as social, humanitarian, and cultural concerns.
A major focus of the Committee is avoiding violent crime, improving criminal justice and controlling the worldwide drug epidemic.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, and SOCHUM is no exception. Resolutions are a collection of ideas that member states may accept or amend.
