The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the UN Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in international cooperation against cybercrime.
This is the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated among UN member states in over 20 years. The legally binding convention acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies, which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope.
The convention highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on states, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society. It focuses on protecting them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online financial crimes.
The document also recognizes the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritizes justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It underscores the need for technical assistance, capacity-building, and collaboration among states and other stakeholders.
According to a UN press release, the convention will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam, next year and will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.
Welcoming the adoption of the historic convention, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his belief that the new treaty will promote a safer cyberspace and called on all states to join it.
“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 in a statement.
“The convention creates an unprecedented platform for collaboration in the exchange of electronic evidence, protection for victims, and prevention while ensuring human rights are protected online,” the statement added.
Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, remarked that with the adoption of the convention, 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
