United Nations (TDI): The UN General Assembly has adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark international treaty aimed at strengthening global cooperation to combat cybercrime and protecting societies from digital threats.
The agreement on the legally binding treaty marked the culmination of a 5-year effort by UN member countries, with inputs from civil society, academia, information security experts, and the private sector.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the adoption of the Convention – the first global criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over twenty years.
His spokesman stated, “This treaty showcasing multilateralism triumphing in challenging times and reflects the collective determination of member nations to foster global cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime.”
The statement added that the Convention “creates an unparalleled platform for collaboration” in the exchange of evidence, protection for victims and prevention, while protecting human rights online.
“The Secretary-General trusts that the new agreement will promote a safe cyberspace and urges all countries to join the Convention and to implement it in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.”
Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly, underlined the significance of the new Convention.
He stated, “We live in a digital world, where communications and information technologies offer immense potential for societal growth, but also amplify the threat of cybercrime,” he said.
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“With the adoption of this Convention, member countries have at hand the tools and means to strengthen global cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, safeguarding people and their rights online.”
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also termed the adoption of the convention as a “major victory” for multilateralism.
“It is a major step forward in our efforts to address crimes like online child sexual abuse, money laundering and sophisticated online scams,” she said.
Waly reiterated the UN agency’s commitment to support all countries in signing, ratifying and implementing the new agreement, as well as providing them with the tools and assistance they need to safeguard their economies and protect the digital sphere from cybercrime.
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The Convention against Cybercrime acknowledges the major risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies, which enable criminal activities on an unparalleled scale, speed, and scope.
