The United Nations General Assembly has taken a historic step by adopting the UN Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark treaty aimed at strengthening global cooperation against cyber threats.
This new convention, the first international criminal justice treaty agreed upon by UN member states in over two decades, recognizes the significant risks posed by the misuse of technology. With cybercrime increasing in scale and complexity, the treaty aims to protect nations and individuals from offenses like terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online financial crimes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the adoption of the treaty, stating, \”This treaty is a demonstration of multilateralism succeeding during difficult times and reflects the collective will of member states to prevent and combat cybercrime.\” He called on all countries to join in promoting a safer cyberspace.
The convention emphasizes the importance of justice for victims, especially vulnerable groups, and highlights the need for technical assistance and capacity-building among nations. It also creates a platform for collaboration in sharing electronic evidence and ensuring that human rights are protected online.
The treaty will be open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, next year, and will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory. This milestone marks a significant move towards a more secure digital world, with international cooperation at its core.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
