After three years of intensive negotiations, United Nations Member States have reached a milestone agreement on a new convention aimed at combatting cybercrime. The draft text, finalised on 9 August 2024, is poised to be adopted by the UN General Assembly later this year, marking the creation of the first global legally binding instrument to address cybercrime.
A collaborative global effort
This historic achievement represents the culmination of a five-year collaborative effort involving not only UN Member States but also civil society organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) played a crucial role as the substantive secretariat throughout the negotiation process, providing essential support and expertise.
A landmark step forward
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly hailed the finalisation of the convention as a significant step forward. “The finalisation of this Convention is a landmark step as the first multilateral anti-crime treaty in over 20 years and the first UN Convention against Cybercrime at a time when threats in cyberspace are growing rapidly,” Waly stated. She also extended congratulations to the Member States and the Ad Hoc Committee, led by Ambassador Faouzia Boumaiza-Mebarki, who played a pivotal role as Chair in guiding the negotiations to a successful conclusion. Waly emphasised UNODC’s commitment to continuing its support, stating, “We will continue to play a central role in assisting in the implementation and ratification of the Convention, once adopted by the General Assembly, as well as providing technical assistance to Member States, as we work with all countries and partners to safeguard digital spaces.”
Addressing the evolving nature of crime
The draft convention recognises the transformative impact of technology on the nature of crime. As noted in the text, technological advancements have significantly expanded the scale, speed, and scope of criminal activities, ranging from terrorism to drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and firearms trafficking.
Enhancing international cooperation
In response to these growing threats, the convention provides a comprehensive framework designed to enhance international cooperation, bolster law enforcement efforts, and facilitate technical assistance and capacity-building related to cybercrime.
Looking ahead
Once adopted, the convention is expected to serve as a critical tool in the global fight against cybercrime, offering Member States a unified approach to addressing the complex and evolving challenges posed by criminal activities in cyberspace. As cyber threats continue to escalate, this new treaty represents a vital step toward ensuring a safer and more secure digital world for all.
