The third committee of the United Nations General Assembly, the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM), was established in 1945 in response to the global demand for peace and advancements of human rights. The purpose of SOCHUM is to ensure the right to life, the freedom to express cultures, and the right to participate in politics, are available across the world while protecting children’s rights and social development. To achieve this purpose SOCHUM studies human rights violations, works alongside member organizations, and initiates studies to encourage recommendations for the promotion of fundamental freedoms for all. 

Child exploitation, defined as any situation where a person or a group uses a child under the age of 18 for financial gain, labor, or personal advantage. Though it occurs in all regions, it is most prevalent in developing regions such as Sub-Saheran Africa and Southern Asia. This practice rotted in extreme poverty and a lack of access to quality healthcare, is fueled by informal economies promoting business exploitation. Child labour constitutes a grave violation of human rights and perpetuates cycles of poverty, stagnant health and development, and fuels the unskilled labor trap.