The General Assembly allocates to its Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee, commonly referred to as the "Third Committee", agenda items relating to a range of social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues that affect people all over the world.

The Social, Humanitarian Cultural Affairs Committee (Third Committee) of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly, is chaired by H.E. Mr. Henry L. Mac-Donald of Suriname.

As in previous sessions, an important part of the work of the Committee will focus on the examination of human rights questions, including reports of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. In October 2012, the Committee will hear and interact with 45 such special rapporteurs, independent experts, and chairs of working groups of the Human Rights Council.

The Committee discusses the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self- determination.  The Committee also addresses important social development questions such as issues related to youth, family, ageing, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control.

Learn more about the Third Committee:
http://www.un.org/en/ga/third/
 
SOURCE: United Nations