The United Nations General Assembly made a significant stride on Tuesday by adopting the UN Convention against Cybercrime, marking the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated among UN member states in over two decades.
This legally binding convention addresses the growing misuse of information and communications technologies, which facilitate criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope. It targets offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online financial crimes, emphasizing the protection of states, enterprises, and individuals from these digital threats.
Recognizing the profound impact of cybercrime on victims, the convention prioritizes justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It underscores the necessity for technical assistance, capacity-building, and enhanced collaboration among states and other stakeholders to effectively combat these crimes.
According to a UN press release, the convention will open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, next year and will enter into force 90 days after the 40th signatory ratifies it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the adoption, stating that the treaty promotes a safe cyberspace and exemplifies successful multilateralism. \"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,\" his spokesperson said.
Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly, added, \"With the adoption of the document, countries have at hand the tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, protecting people and their rights online.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
