The United Nations General Assembly adopted a new convention on Tuesday, which aimed at preventing and combating cybercrime, marking the conclusion of a five-year negotiation process.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime is designed to prevent and combat cybercrime more efficiently and effectively, including by enhancing international cooperation and by offering technical assistance and capacity-building support, especially for developing countries.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General welcomed the adoption of the Convention – the first international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in more than two decades.
In a statement, the spokeperson of Antonio Guterres stated, “This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of Member States to promote international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime.”
The statement further added that the Convention “creates an unprecedented platform for collaboration” in the exchange of evidence, protection for victims and prevention, while safeguarding human rights online.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General said that the new treaty will promote a safe cyberspace and called on all States to join the Convention and to implement it in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
Philemon Yang, President of the UN General Assembly stated, “We live in a digital world, one where information and communications technologies have enormous potential for the development of societies, but also increases the potential threat of cybercrime. With the adoption of this Convention, Member States have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online.”
The Convention against Cybercrime will be open for signature at a official ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2025. It will come into effect 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.