UN General Assembly adopts the Cybercrime Convention

On 24 December 2024,  the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime was adopted by the General Assembly, the first of its kind following five years of negotiations. By fostering stronger international collaboration, the treaty seeks to combat cybercrime, enabling faster, more coordinated, and effective responses that enhance safety in both the digital and physical worlds.

The Convention recognizes the significant harm cybercrimes pose to States, businesses, individuals and society, and focuses on safeguarding them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.

It addresses the increasing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritises justice, especially for vulnerable groups. In view of this, it encourages States to provide victims with comprehensive support, including access to recovery services, compensation, restitution, and the removal of illicit content.
The Convention underscores the critical need for enhanced international cooperation in combating cybercrime. This includes facilitating technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and the exchange of evidence among States to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.
Moreover, the Convention is the first global treaty to specifically address sexual violence against children committed with information and communication technologies (ICT). By criminalising these offenses, the Convention provides governments with a robust framework to protect children from harm and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Eventually, to effectively address cybercrime and foster a safer digital space for all, the Treaty urges States to develop comprehensive prevention strategies. This includes training programs, offender rehabilitation, victim support, and measures to mitigate risks.

This Convention marks a significant milestone in international criminal justice, being the first treaty negotiated in over two decades. It will be open for signature at a formal ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025 and will enter into force 90 days after ratification by the 40th signatory.