New Delhi: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark global treaty to strengthen international cooperation in combating such crimes. This was the first international criminal justice treaty to be negotiated between UN member states in more than 20 years.
The legally binding agreement recognizes the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies, which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed and scale.
It highlights the negative impacts that such crimes can have on states, institutions and the well-being of individuals and society, and focuses on protecting them from crimes 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 emphasizes the need for technical assistance, capacity-building and cooperation between States and other stakeholders.
According to a UN press release, the agreement will be opened for signature at an official ceremony hosted by Hanoi, Vietnam, next year, and will enter into force 90 days after its ratification by the 40th signatory, China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported.
Welcoming the adoption of the historic agreement, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his belief that the new treaty will enhance safe cyberspace and called on all countries to join it.
His spokesman said in a statement, “This treaty is evidence of the success of multilateralism during difficult times and reflects the collective will of member states to enhance international cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime.”
The statement added, “The agreement creates an unprecedented platform for cooperation in exchanging electronic evidence, victim protection and prevention, while ensuring the protection of human rights on the Internet.”
Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly, stressed that by adopting the document, “countries now have the necessary tools and means to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating cybercrime, and protecting people and their rights on the Internet.”
