The historic agreement on the legally binding treaty, which aims to combat cybercrime, has been hailed as a major milestone in international efforts to address the growing threats posed by criminal activities online. The culmination of a five-year effort by UN Member States, the treaty received inputs from a diverse range of stakeholders including civil society, information security experts, academia, and the private sector.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his satisfaction with the adoption of the Convention, calling it a testament to the power of multilateralism in overcoming challenges and promoting global cooperation. The treaty, the first of its kind in over two decades, is designed to facilitate collaboration in the areas of evidence sharing, victim protection, and crime prevention while upholding human rights in the digital realm.
President of the General Assembly, Philémon Yang, emphasized the importance of the Convention in addressing the threats posed by cybercrime in today’s digital world. He highlighted the potential of information and communication technologies for societal development, while underscoring the need for enhanced international cooperation to combat cyber threats and protect individuals online.
The unanimous adoption of the resolution containing the Convention by the 193-member General Assembly signifies a collective commitment to tackling cybercrime through a coordinated and unified approach. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the treaty as a significant victory for multilateralism, citing its potential to address a range of online crimes such as child sexual abuse, online scams, and money laundering.
Ms. Waly reiterated the UN agency’s dedication to supporting nations in ratifying and implementing the treaty, while providing the necessary tools and assistance to safeguard their economies and digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
The Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the evolving nature of criminal activities enabled by information and communications technologies, highlighting the risks posed to States, enterprises, and individuals. It focuses on preventing offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and financial crimes, while prioritizing justice for victims, especially vulnerable groups. The treaty also emphasizes the importance of technical support, capacity-building, and collaboration among States and stakeholders to effectively combat cybercrime.
The Convention will be open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Viet Nam, in 2025 and will enter into force after being ratified by the 40th signatory. The treaty represents a significant step forward in the global fight against cyber threats and reflects the collective commitment of nations to promoting a safe and secure cyberspace for all.