(17th meeting) Reconvened concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes
9 Aug 2024 10:00h - 13:00h
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
Universal Convention on Cybercrime adopted after extensive negotiations
The Ad Hoc Committee’s extensive negotiation process culminated in the successful adoption of the Universal Convention on Cybercrime, marking a significant achievement in the global fight against cybercrime. Representatives from various countries provided their perspectives on the final text, with some expressing reservations about specific provisions.
Costa Rica voiced concerns about the lack of safeguards to prevent the Convention’s potential misuse for political repression, advocating for explicit provisions to refuse judicial cooperation in cases of political offences. Ecuador, on the other hand, praised the text as a balanced outcome, reflecting the Chair’s commitment and the work of the committee.
Syria expressed reservations about certain articles not aligning with their national regulations or societal values, particularly regarding human rights inclusivity. Burkina Faso expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of certain articles, specifically the failure to achieve consensus on Article 6, Paragraph 2, and the chosen title for the convention.
The Chair was widely commended for her leadership, with many delegates expressing gratitude for her and her team’s efforts in steering the committee towards consensus. The Chair’s diplomatic skill was highlighted as a key factor in managing the diverse positions and interests of the member states.
The adoption of the Convention was celebrated as a victory for multilateralism, demonstrating the international community’s commitment to addressing cybercrime through a unified legal framework. The Convention was also lauded for its provisions on international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, and the supplementary protocol, which are expected to bolster the legal systems of member states against cybercrime.
Several countries underscored the importance of implementing the Convention in a manner that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. The UK, in particular, emphasised the significance of the safeguards provided in the Convention, which are expected to set a new benchmark for international cooperation.
Stakeholder engagement was recognised as a valuable contribution to the negotiation process, with civil society, industry, and academia providing expertise and insights. The role of stakeholders is anticipated to continue as the Convention moves towards implementation.
In conclusion, the Convention represents a collective effort to enhance the global response to cybercrime, with member states expressing a commitment to ratify and implement its provisions. The process highlighted the importance of flexibility, mutual understanding, and the art of compromise in achieving a consensus on complex international issues. The Chair’s role was pivotal in navigating the diverse perspectives and guiding the committee to a successful outcome, which was a testament to the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy.
Session transcript
Costa Rica:
We have completed ten blocks of formal sessions and five of informal consultations. We have devoted significant resources to drawing up this Convention, both in financial and human terms. And we reached today, we are today at the end of this process. But this is only the beginning of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. Madam Chair, the text we have adopted is not perfect. In fact, it does not have many elements that Costa Rica would like to see in this Convention. We deeply regret that adequate safeguards have not been incorporated to ensure that this Convention be used only to prevent and combat cybercrime and not to repress and persecute people based on their political positions. We would have preferred a text that would have expressly provided for the possibility of refusal of judicial cooperation in the case of political offences. We also do not agree with initiating the negotiation of possible protocols when the Convention has not had time to be implemented. This is not the best use of our resources. We believe that the Convention could have been much better. But the basis of successful multilateral discussions is respect for the diversity of positions. And the solidity of the results of our work is based on the flexibility that all delegations show in building consensus. This is why Costa Rica has joined all the delegations present here to adopt this Convention in this version, not perfect but possible. Costa Rica is pleased that we have adopted the first Universal Convention on this matter, which undoubtedly contains important regulations that will facilitate international cooperation, judicial assistance, training, obtaining real-time data for investigation, among others, which will help us to combat cybercrime in a coordinated manner. As well, from the very beginning, we have supported a strong Convention against cybercrime. However, with respect for human rights, including gender, this is reflected in the preamble of the Convention and in the text. This calls upon States parties to ensure that compliance with the obligations under this Convention is in line with international human rights law. In addition, the Convention is innovative in calling for the development of strategies and policies to prevent and eradicate gender-based violence that occurs through the use of an information and communications technology system. We should be pleased with the new tools that this Convention will provide us. Madam, I would not like to end without thanking you. I would say personally, you’re a wonderful woman, you’re a great leader, and I’m very honored at having participated in this process headed by you. Thanks to you and your team, all the members of the Bureau, and especially the vice-chairs, those from our region, the Dominican Republic and Brazil, the Secretariat, and all delegations that I’m sure have worked in good faith and constructively towards the adoption of this Convention. From Costa Rica to you, I would say, and to all delegations, many thanks.
Chair:
Thank you. Ecuador.
Ecuador:
Distinguished Chair, we believe that the approved text is a good balance, that it’s the outcome of several years of discussion. So, Madam, we wish to acknowledge your commitment and that of the work of this committee. The impartial and balanced manner that you have displayed has enabled us to achieve this result. So, we would like to thank you for all the endeavors you have displayed in such a difficult and delicate task as chairing our discussions over the last three years. We have some comments on the Spanish language version, which we shall provide to the committee. This is just for grammatical consistency. We particularly welcome the consensus and the preamble text and Article 54 on the transfer of technology, because as we have continued to stress, this is vital in order to be able to implement the work effectively and under equal conditions. Lastly, we would like to refer to Article 14. The domestic law of Ecuador is aligned with the highest standards, international standards of child protection. It’s not just defining as criminal all aspects of sexual exploitation and abuse of minors, but also the adoption of measures preventing the normalization or legitimization of any form of child abuse. We would not apply this restrictively. It’s in the highest interest of children, boys and girls. So, Madam Mayor, I have some additional comments on the electronically agreed text from the committee. However, thank you very much to your team and all of you. We are in constant debt. Thank you very much.
Chair:
Thank you, Syria.
Syria:
Thank you, Madam Chair. We would like to thank the Chair and the Secretariat and the Ad Hoc Committee for the efforts that have been made over the past nine sessions of negotiating sessions. During this time, we have consistently supported reaching a comprehensive convention through a satisfactory consensus formulation. We are also proud to see you chairing this session as an Arab woman and as the daughter of the fraternal Algeria with your well-known diplomatic history and expertise. Syria has national and humanitarian responsibilities that we adhere to and we implement our international commitments. Therefore, we have supported and continue to support all forms of international collaboration in combating all forms of crime. In order to reach consensus, we have shown flexibility in negotiating sessions despite the fact that many of our concerns were not reflected in the adopted consensual formulation. I refer specifically to the concerns that are not consistent with our national regulations or our societal values. Our position is unchanged regarding paragraph 2 of article 6. We have called for its elimination or at least making it more inclusive of human rights rather than exclusive of specific cases. We also maintain our reservation on certain formulations included in certain articles of the convention including 14, 16, 24 and paragraph 22 of article 40. We also have reservations regarding the title adopted for this convention. Nevertheless, we have moved forward to achieve consensus. Madam Chair, we look forward to seeing this convention put on track, specifically the track for which it was created. We hope it will truly seek to unify efforts combating the offenses it criminalizes. We hope it will truly contribute to enhancing international cooperation and providing support and technology transfer and capacity building specifically for developing states and states under special circumstances suffering things like terrorism. This needs to happen with no politicization and without any restrictions enforced by certain states on bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Such restrictions prevent the receipt of the technical and in-kind and financial support that many states including Syria need. We have suffered and still suffer the consequences of unilateral coercive measures that prevent modern technology from reaching our states. These restrictions also limit the ability of law enforcement and criminal justice entities to combat crimes in all forms including ICT crimes. In conclusion, we reaffirm our firm commitment and our total readiness to cooperate in a serious manner on the international level with all the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. And I specifically thank you Madam President and I wish you every success. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso:
Thank you very much Madam Chair. Chair, the delegation of Burkina Faso thanks you for all the efforts that you have made throughout the years at the helm of our committee. We particularly salute your elevated sense of consensus, helping us achieve an agreement. We warmly extend our country’s congratulations to you, your team, and the Secretariat, and congratulate you on these historic results. We regret, however, that the committee was not able to achieve consensus on certain articles of the convention and had to resort to a vote. We’re particularly dissatisfied with the outcome of the request to delete Article 6, Particle 2, the expression without right in Articles 14 and 16, as well as the title that was chosen for the convention. We, however, remain committed and determined to working in good faith with all delegations in order to effectively and swiftly implement the convention, which is a criminal justice instrument that allows to prevent and effectively combat the use of ICTs for criminal purposes. I thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much. The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yeah, Cabo Verde. Very well, Cabo Verde.
Cabo Verde:
Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Good morning to all. It’s an appreciation and gratitude that Cabo Verde express its sincere tribute to the chair of this committee and to the entire Secretariat for the commitment and dedication shown during the negotiations of this important instrument. God bless you all. The inclusion of Cabo Verde in these discussions on this crucial topic is a source of pride for our nation. We underline our active involvement in the negotiations, where we actively seek to contribute to addressing the phenomenon of cybercrime in a comprehensive and effective way, recognizing it’s a challenge that requires global cooperation and solidarity. We firmly believe that we will soon establish the much-needed convention. We are confident that through constructive dialogue and mutual collaboration, we will be able to address present and future challenges related to cybercrime. We vote to approve the test because Cabo Verde’s magma law establishes that Cabo Verde is a republic that guarantees respect for the dignity of the human person and recognizes the availability and inalienability of human rights as the foundation of the entire human community, peace and justice. This magma law also says that the state of Cabo Verde is governed in international relations by the principles of national independence, respect for international law and human rights, equality between states, no interference in the internal affairs of the other states, reciprocity of benefits, cooperation with all other peoples, and peaceful coexistence. For this reason, we reiterate our continued availability to continue contributing constructively to achieving the necessary fight against the phenomenon. Together, we can strengthen global efforts to fight cybercrime and promote a safe and trustworthy digital environment for everyone. We have come a long way, and although it seems that we have reached the end, in fact, now the journey really begins, as it is up to all of us to implement the Convention’s proposals quickly and effectively. Muito obrigado.
Chair:
Obrigada. Paraguay?
Paraguay:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Paraguay is taking the floor for the last time, but we very much wish to express our gratitude for all that you’ve done and all of your team as well during these sessions. We believe that the text is a balanced one. However, my delegation believes it appropriate to reiterate what we stated on Article 14, that the optional drafting of Paragraph 4 of Article 14 has the disadvantage of lacking clarity and, it could so, confusion. The terminology is not clear about providing information which could be risky for children. We therefore say that Paraguay reserves the right to make an interpretative statement on this paragraph, making it quite clear that no sort of interference or abuse affecting children will be allowed. The exclusion of criminality in Paragraph 4B of Article 14 must be taken as limited to minors, and domestic applicable legislation applied is that of the victim, not of the perpetrator. We have to construe the text in this way. We feel that the right of the child in Paraguay is paramount. Madam, we would like to thank all delegations for their consensus and what they have displayed during negotiations to the highest legal standards. We’ve come to a time when the world needs to retain confidence in multilateralism, particularly donor countries here. We would like to thank them for their active participation in helping developing countries. I am from a developing country which is landlocked. And lastly, we’ve heard many languages, and I’d like to thank everybody. When we speak from Paraguay, we speak from our heart. Thank you very much.
Chair:
I’d say this in our gentle language. Thank you very much. Iceland. Thank you, Iceland. The European Union. European Union.
European Union:
Thank you, Madam President. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU and its member states. Madam Chair, what we have achieved today with your help is no small feat and should be celebrated. We have reached the end of a long and difficult journey, but we believe it was important to join this journey to fight the increasing scourge of cybercrime and to protect our citizens more effectively on a global scale. The UN Cybercrime Convention will provide an efficient additional framework for international cooperation while ensuring full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We strongly believe that the safeguards provided in the convention will set a new benchmark which will enable international cooperation. Adopting this instrument is an important step for the international community and we appreciate the efforts and the spirit of compromise of all delegations that have led to this successful outcome to whom we also thank. Madam President. Madam Chair, it is in French that I would like to thank you once again in my personal capacity as well as on behalf of all my colleagues from the European Union and its member states for your patience, your ability to listen and to identify compromises that have allowed us to collectively adopt this Convention on Cybercrime by consensus. I would also like to pay tribute to your infallible good humor but also the firmness that you have demonstrated when necessary. My thanks also go out of course to Tahar who has always been sitting discreetly behind you when he was not consulting with delegations in the hallways and was indeed a linchpin of this Convention. And I also cannot forget the Vice-Chairs Brioni, Eric, Claudio and Kochi who have successfully supported you throughout this process as well as the Secretariat who has backed our work throughout this whole process. Finally, I would like to thank the Government of Algeria for having allowed you, following the unanimous request of the members of the Bureau, to continue to fulfill your role as Chair this year. I am convinced that without this we would not be celebrating the conclusion of our work today. From the bottom of my heart, Madam Chair, thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much. You give me the opportunity to say that it is thanks to two groups in particular that I have had the courage and conviction to continue without the solidarity within CARICOM and within the EU. which provided a unified, common position from these two groups, I would have really had a hard time seeing the end of the tunnel. And to go back to the Marine terminology that I was using at the opening of the session on August 9th, I really wanted to make sure that our ship arrives at port safely with all passengers still on board. Thank you very much to CARICOM and the European Union for inspiring me with the courage through their unified position and facilitating my negotiation efforts with other stakeholders. Thank you very much to everyone, of course. But when we have two groups like that, plus the Pacific Islands Forum, and for getting the representative of the Tonga who is listening right now as well, Pacific Islands also inspired me this courage to continue. Thank you very much to all. Iran.
Iran:
Thank you, Madam Chair. In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, Madam Chair, please allow me to sincerely express our gratitude to you for the excellent leadership of the committee. Madam Chair, your dedication, tireless effort, wisdom, passion, and well-intentioned aspirations made this all possible to conclude the work we have done. We have been always happy to see Algeria efficiently conducting the committee. I also would like to thank Tahir for his dedication and the Secretary for his commendable efforts in convening the meetings of the committee. Without your efforts and great work, the success of the work of the committee was not possible. I thank you all. Bearing in mind the core mandate of the ad hoc committee as per Resolution 74-247, which is to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes, we actively engage in the process of elaboration of the convention in good faith aspiring to provide the international community with a sound and robust international legal framework to counter crimes committed via information, robust information and communication technologies, to bring criminals to justice, and to protect our children, public morals, and society in face of exponentially growing criminal activities via misuse of ICT. Although achieving consensus on all provisions of the convention was not possible, the very conclusion of the work of the ad hoc committee, having the convention as its outcome, is of immense utility importance for collaborating fights against various forms of use of ICT for criminal purposes. Madam Chair, we reiterate our serious concern regarding certain provisions of Article 14, which may be interpreted by few as to allow for exception in fighting the heinous crimes of child sexual exploitation. Therefore, we requested for deletion of such provisions so as to ensure zero tolerance policy in countering these horrendous crimes and to fully and efficiently protect our children. In our view, these articles do not prejudice measures taken by law enforcement and judicial authorities and other relevant national authorities who are entrusted with tasks related to fighting the crimes in question in accordance with domestic laws. Hence, there was no need to add term without writing Articles 14 and 16. However, where domestic laws of the state party include such term, it should be interpreted only to allow for realization of the purpose of the articles in fighting child sexual exploitation. For example, the lawful exercise of function of law enforcement authority in this regard. Along the same line, we strongly continue to oppose any sort of exception in fighting child sexual exploitation. The inclusion of Paragraph 3 of Article 14 is in flagrant contravention of the article and the purpose of the Convention. There is no difference on the negative impact of unreal materials depicting child sexual exploitation. Such materials normalize criminal contacts against children and is actually conducive to the commission of child sexual exploitation. Therefore, the artificial distinction between real and unreal material is superficial. Moreover, such exceptions run counter to the relevant definition stipulated in the optional protocol to the Convention on the Right of the Child to which more than 140 states are party and which does not recognize any exception to materials depicting child sexual exploitation. We could not accept these exceptions in good conscience. And that is why we requested the vote on these matters too. With the sole purpose of upholding the rights of all children, realization of their best interests, and vigorously and without exception fighting child sexual exploitation. On Article 16, we note that the conduct, condition, and requirement referred to in the said article are specified for the purpose of addressing a certain area of criminal activity. It is only a minimum area of criminalization. As such, taking into account Paragraph 6 of Article 16, it is understood that nothing in the said article could in any manner prejudice the criminalization of intimate images and other obscene material and domestic laws of my country in this area. Madam Chair, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party to many international human rights instruments and attaches great importance to the respect, human rights, and dignity of all. Given the discussion on human rights provision of the Convention, we would like to touch upon a few technical points. The very nature of the Convention and the purpose envisaged for it require a technical approach akin to that employed in drafting the ANCAC and thus to avoid duplication of work and avoiding addressing matters that in principle fall within the purpose and scope of human rights treaties. The ANCAC and ANTOC and other relevant treaties to which nearly all UN members are party or signatory do not include human rights provisions. The established practice of the ANCAC and ANTOC is not evolving in human rights throughout their elaboration and do not prejudice the importance of human rights obligations. Rather, it signifies the very simple fact that criminal justice conventions focus on a specific technical aspect of fighting crimes and that it remains for other inclusive intergovernmental bodies to address human rights obligations in this area. The approach of this Convention was technical so as to prevent misuse of such matters for politicized objectives since such misuses and potential politicization could undermine international cooperation in fighting the use of ICT for criminal purposes. That has been the approach of related conventions and also rational of my delegation on these matters that are not within the preview of the Convention. As such, the voting on this area was requested on technical grounds as elaborated above and does not prejudice our commitment to respect for human rights and dignity of all. Madam Chair, the Convention has significant achievement and includes important provisions that needs to be fully taken into account. In this area and among others, we would like to recall Article 5 of the Convention on Protection of Sovereignty. As we say in legal parlance, parrem non habet imperium, equals have no sovereignty over each other. This is the bedrock of the international relation and international law. Many principles of international law are corollaries of this highly important concept. This is why it has been practice of relevant conventions to include such provision to ensure respect for sovereignty of member states and their exclusive jurisdiction. That being said, we underline that measures in preventing and combating the use of ICT for criminal purposes should be in compliance with fundamental principles of sovereign equality, non-intervention, and territorial integrity. Nothing in the said Convention could be misused as a pretext to encroach upon this highly cherished principle of international law. Effective implementation of the purpose of the Convention, which is inter alia, to strengthen measures as well as to promote, facilitate, and strengthen international cooperation preventing and combating cybercrime necessitate having due regard to the challenges and impediment that hinder international cooperation and ability of a state in fighting this crime. The promulgation and application of unilateral coercive measures continue to impede international cooperation and capability of affected states in countering the crimes in question. Such unlawful measures, which are flagrant violations of fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations should be duly addressed and responded so as to ensure the important purposes of the Convention are effectively implemented. We undermine that the provision of technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries should be upon request and based on the needs and priority of requesting countries. Such provisions should aim to support the effort of developing countries in fighting the use of ICT for criminal purposes. Among the same line, we underscore that the United Nations General Assembly through relevant resolution has called for action to be taken to enhance the ability of developing countries to benefit from science, technology, and innovation and address the major impediment to accessing new and emerging technology. In this regard, the inclusion of transfer of technology in the Convention is an important step to bridge the digital divide among countries and to address barriers that developing countries face in accessing technology and to respond more effectively to crimes committed via ICT. Madam Chair, as a final observation, we would like to mention that we maintain our reservation on certain provisions and terms, in particular those that not enjoy consensus among others. In Article 6, Paragraph 2, 14, 16, 25, and Article 40, Paragraph 22, it is understood that the provision of the Convention would be interpreted by my country consistent with its domestic laws and national document, as well as religious, legal, cultural, and social specificity and values of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nothing in this Convention shall be interpreted to prejudice such domestic framework, values, and specificities, nor could it prejudice the exercise of sovereign rights and prerogative of my country in accordance with domestic laws. Our vote regarding certain provisions of the Convention does not prejudice any future action my country may deem appropriate in accordance with its domestic laws, priorities, and values as to the ratification, as may be deemed appropriate in accordance with domestic law, priorities, and values as to the ratification, acceptance, approval of, or accession to the present Convention. For the sake of brevity, we will conclude our statement, we will submit our further observation and explanation of the position in writing along the President’s statement to the Secretary. I thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much to the delegation of Iran. You are providing me with an opportunity to clarify the following. Given the procedural nature of this session’s report in accordance with established practice at the UN, the report will only reflect the names of member states who took the floor to explain their positions without reflecting the content of their statements. The section of the report containing the list of member states who provided an explanation of position will refer to the website of the Committee where all of these statements will be uploaded to as received. Consequently, delegations who took the floor to provide explanations of position can send in their statements to the Secretariat by email to the following email, cybercrimeahc at un.org. I repeat in French, or I repeat, cybercrimeahc at un.org. In order for the statements to be made available on the website, if you want your statements to be read and uploaded, you must therefore email them to the Secretariat. The deadline – and this is important – the deadline for the submission of all statements will be the end of activities Monday, August 12th, 2024. So you have until August 12th, 2024, I assume that that is 6 p.m. Vienna time, to send in your statements or explanations of vote. I now return to the list of speakers and give the floor to Colombia.
Colombia:
Madam Chair, once again, I should like to take advantage of this opportunity to express my thanks to you and your entire team for your untiring efforts over the years. Colombia is aware that the challenges facing this committee were not easy ones, and we believe, therefore, that the text which is adopted is the outcome of many hours of dialogue, mutual agreement, and obeisance to the principles that guide us internationally. The text that’s approved is, one, the result of cooperation against serious crime, but it also contains provisions protecting human rights, looking at this sort of information and the risk of suppressing human rights. This text is not perfect, although it is balanced. We know that arriving at an absolute is a huge challenge in a world such as ours. However, this is based on the ability to include many facets and reflect the different concerns of each and every one of our delegations. In the case of my delegation, the agenda focus was essential, with the essential paragraph in the preamble. Here, again, when we come to obstacles for the transfer of technology, these difficulties were resolved by working together. Now, having said this, my delegation would like to point to the interpretative notes proposed by you to be annexed here. My delegation does not believe that these are criteria for interpreting the delegation, neither are they binding. We have our desire to strengthen the spirit of cooperation, to implement this, and to continue to work together to perfect these over time. We would urge all delegations present here to pull together and honor this commitment. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein:
Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, allow me to thank you, Madam Chair, as well as your team and the Secretariat, for your tireless work. Your immense efforts were essential to helping us achieve consensus. The road was a long one, indeed, and oftentimes difficult. The two past years were marked with highs and lows, but luckily you were there to guide us towards consensus. Thank you very much. Madam Chair, and I will excuse to the interpreters as I will switch now to English again, which I feel much more comfortable with, as you might have heard. The prevention of and the fight against cybercrime is an issue of critical importance to Liechtenstein. We hear the voices in the room that call for enhanced international cooperation and the need for technical assistance to fight cybercrime globally. We also hear the voices warning against a convention without corresponding safeguards. The active role that Liechtenstein strove to play in this process reflects our priorities along these lines. And although Liechtenstein supported the consensus at the end of this long process, some elements of this convention are unfortunately problematic and not fully in line with the standards we believe should be applicable. Our main concern in this respect are the safeguards and the human rights questions affected by this convention. At the very first session of the Ad Hoc Committee, Liechtenstein stated that every regulation in cyberspace needs to be carefully calibrated in order to strike a proper balance between security concerns and the respect for human rights, a position we have been taking consistently through this negotiation process. And in this respect, we must ensure in particular that investigative powers and the criminalization of cybercrime are not used to dismantle human rights and fundamental freedoms. Liechtenstein believes that we have reached the bare minimum of safeguards and human rights protections and we should have a strong, we would have a strong preference. – strongly prefer more clearly worded provisions in this respect. We regret that it was not possible to agree on more robust safeguards. But we managed to achieve the most basic human rights safeguards. And therefore, in the name of consensus required to fight cybercriminals, and the balance necessary for true multilateralism, Liechtenstein supported the adoption of this Convention. Thank you very much.
Chair:
Thank you very much. Switzerland, please.
Switzerland:
Thank you, Madam Chair. We would like to thank you, as well as to Hara, your team, and all the members of your Bureau and the Secretary once again for your tireless efforts throughout this process. Throughout the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, Switzerland has consistently called for the scope of the Convention to be limited and for the human rights provisions and guarantees to be sufficiently strong. These provisions and guarantees are an essential and indispensable element of international cooperation and law enforcement. In practice, international cooperation will only be possible if certain common minimum standards can be guaranteed across borders. The text of the Convention provides for a strict minimum of guarantees, including in the field of human rights. Switzerland continues to support the spirit of compromise that guided the Committee’s work. We also staunchly champion the idea and the vision of the United Nations as a multilateral platform for tackling global problems together. In keeping with the support for multilateralism, my delegation also engaged constructively in a co-facilitation process with Nigeria during these negotiations. It is in the spirit of compromise and support for multilateralism that we believe that the text presented to us was acceptable to Switzerland. Finally, we would also like to thank the stakeholder community for their important contributions during our negotiations. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you, Mexico.
Mexico:
Madam Chair, it is a delight to see you chairing here in New York this last session when we have adopted the draft Convention on Cybercrime. May I say that Mexico, my country, would like to thank you for your leadership and everything you have done during this lengthy process since we started in Vienna. Algeria has a marvellous diplomat in your person. I would also like to extend my thanks to Tahar, to the vice-chairs and the secretariat team, and the whole Vienna team, amongst whom there are several friends, John Bandolina there. From the very first day when you convened us, Madam, Mexico played an active part in all the sessions of this committee. Our role was constructive, to bring people together in order to arrive at a robust and worthy tool given the universal mandate here. We have advocated a convention on a sound technical basis, one that can engender confidence because of its transparency and inclusive nature and which will benefit all of our peoples. As this then is an unprecedented multilateral treaty, given the fact that it deals with the cyber space and looks at it from a criminal perspective, Mexico always gave priority to the protection of human rights as an essential prerequisite for arriving at an agreement. Today we’re celebrating the adoption of this treaty, aware that it will lead to closing gaps in our national system here, as well as to establishing standards which will make it possible for harmonization of norms throughout the world, which will deal with the problem in a broader, more effective way. We also believe this to be a milestone in the progressive development of international law, evidence that multilateralism is an essential component for it to be fully fulfilled. My delegation would also like to express its great disappointment looking at the proposal to raise the threshold of ratifications. Mexico, with a support of 75 delegations, wanted to see a threshold that would ensure a truly inclusive entry into force, reflecting a broader and more representative representation. May I be clear? Having this enter into force with only 20% of members does not correspond to the needs here, neither does it reflect the will of the majority here. We believe that the text adopted could have included this and other elements proposed from our region, which enjoyed broad support in the committee and which would have enhanced and strengthened the instrument that we have adopted. I would conclude by stating once again that my country is committed to continue to combat the threat of cybercrime, and I’d like to express once again our thanks to you, your team, and the Secretariat for this very hard work which made it possible to have an international multilateral convention, which reflects the work of what we do in this organization every day. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much. Thank you, my friend of Mexico. I’m delighted to see you here. Thank you, Mexico, for your stalwart support throughout the entire process. We have a long list of speakers still before us. I will tell you that our report is available on the committee’s website, and you can therefore look at it as from now. But we have to hear from Senegal, the Republic of Korea, India, Armenia, Israel, the United Kingdom, Belarus, South Africa, China, the United States, Peru, Sri Lanka, Angola, Morocco, Uruguay, Australia, Venezuela, Sudan, Panama, Ecuador, Sao Tome, PrÃncipe, Canada, Tunisia, the Philippines, the Central African Republic, Indonesia, Namibia, Brazil, Iceland, Japan, Uganda, Georgia. In other words, everybody, the Republic of Korea. Pardon, Senegal, Senegal. Chair apologizes, sorry, Senegal. Merci, Madame la Présidente.
Senegal:
Thank you very much, Madame Chair, and good day to all of you. Madame, Senegal espouses the statement from the African group given by South Africa. We’d like to congratulate you, you and your team, for the outstanding work you’ve done since the beginning. You have displayed leadership, patience, and an open spirit while heeding very carefully what all delegations said. Madame, I could not but express the spirit of openness that all delegations have displayed that has enabled us to reach this consensus. It wasn’t an easy task because we’re living in a geopolitical context which makes all negotiations extremely difficult, but the Vienna spirit did not disappear. Today, if we look at the past, many political positions have the stamp of determinism, to use an expression that philosophers employ, which hamper discussions among states. And we saw this during our discussions when each speaker wanted, in each paragraph of each article, and even in the title of convention, a reflection of the reality of their geographical, political, and social, sometimes religious realities. Some human rights are thus more marked in one continent or region or in one country as opposed to another. Madame, with this in mind, the delegation of Senegal, looking at paragraph 14, paragraph 3, and paragraph 16, paragraph 2, believes that these do not sufficiently protect children, as is the case of our substantive law. Looking at paragraph 2 of article 6, paragraph 5 of article 34, and paragraph 33, we feel that our position is not reflected in the text we adopted yesterday. So, as is permitted under this convention, our domestic law will be applied in implementing this convention. In any case, though, my delegation welcomes the adoption of this Convention, and we trust it will come into force as soon as possible, in order to foster and enhance co-operation, particularly amongst southern countries. We trust that such co-operation will mitigate the inadequate means available to us. Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor.
Republic of Korea:
This is my last intervention for this Committee. The Republic of Korea deeply expresses our appreciation to you and your team’s sincere effort to reach consensus. We do believe it’s impossible to have our Convention without your excellent leadership. Republic of Korea now starts prepared ratification. I believe it doesn’t take much time for that. And Republic of Korea, keep active and move forward for this Convention used to counter cybercrime. Thank you, Madam Chair. All the best.
Chair:
Thank you. I trust that many other countries will follow your example. India.
India:
Thank you, Madam Chair. So at the outset, our delegation would like to express our deepest gratitude to you and your entire team for the tireless effort in steering this crucial Convention on cybercrime. Your leadership in navigating this complex and multifaceted issue has been instrumental in bringing us all together in a very constructive dialogue. We do appreciate and recognize the enormous challenges that you have faced in negotiating this multilateral treaty of this nature which deals with a very critical issue of cybercrime. Now, Madam Chair, cybercrime is an issue that touches every corner of the globe, and with it comes a wide variety and a wide array of different perspectives and national interests. Now, we witnessed these differences when we left the venue last time without reaching a consensus. It had at that point of time appeared that finding a common ground was almost impossible. To draw a simile here, Madam, it was like a football ground with several goalposts and all teams were trying to score a goal over each other, but finally yesterday we all managed to find a single common goalpost and scored a goal under your able leadership. Bringing all these varied opinions into alignment is no small feat, and it is a testament to your extraordinary skill in diplomacy and consensus building. Madam Chair, your personal qualities have also shown very brightly throughout this process, and I do speak this from our personal experiences of interacting with you. You have a great ability to patiently hear each delegate’s opinion, no matter how divergent, and your respect for the diverse shades of opinion within this Assembly, I think, has been very crucial in reaching the final stage where we are today. Your commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard has not only been deeply appreciated, but has also set the tone for a convention that values inclusivity and understanding. And who would be in a better position to understand these challenges than us, who come from a country having a very large, diverse, multicultural population having a broad set of expectations? On our part, Madam, we have strived to mirror the same spirit of accommodating diverse opinions that you have so effectively demonstrated. India’s stand on various issues had been put forward in all sessions, and I need not reiterate them. However, we have positively contributed and have displayed flexibility and readily accepted various perspectives put forward during these negotiations. We also believe that this level of flexibility was crucial in sharing and shaping a treaty that is both strong and reasonably agreeable to all the parties that are involved. Now as we move forward, our country has clear expectations from this convention. We anticipate that this treaty will establish a very strong foundation for international cooperation, one that allows us to effectively combat cyber threats while respecting the sovereignty of each nation. We look forward to this convention that will, in the near future, facilitate the exchange of information between countries and foster trust amongst nations. This will act as a strong deterrent against the cyber criminals who exploit the boundaries of nations while committing cyber crimes. This convention, we hope, will enable us to collectively address the growing challenges of cyber crime. We also hope that this convention will serve to strengthen the capacities of individual states to better respond to the challenges from cyber crimes. In conclusion, we are optimistic that the continued cooperation and commitment from all participating countries, we can forge an agreement that will not only serve our individual interests, but also contribute to the global good. And to our dear colleagues present here, we assure all of you that we will respond promptly to your requests, and we are sincerely looking forward to working with all of you in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility. I thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you. Armenia.
Armenia:
Thank you, Madam Chair. We would like to express our gratitude to you and the Bureau for getting us to this point. We will not dwell into the details on the parts of the convention we like or dislike, but will simply move forward by acknowledging and highly appreciating all the tireless efforts made to reach a consensual document. Despite challenges, divergent positions on many provisions, heated discussions, and difficult compromises made throughout the whole process, we agreed on a UN convention that will give us yet another opportunity, along with all the relevant regional mechanisms or instruments adopted within other international fora in our joint global fight against the scourge of cyber crimes. We would like to also acknowledge the flexibility expressed by all delegations and express our gratitude in this regard too. Madam Chair, yesterday multilateralism won. Maybe it wasn’t a complete victory, but it was a victory nonetheless, because every single party present here at the end of the day gave its preference to multilateral cooperation over continuous disagreements that would take us nowhere. It wasn’t easy, but on the other hand, it can’t be easy and it will never be. But one thing is clear. When there is a will, there is a way, and that’s the beauty of multilateralism. Once again, thank you and congratulations to us all for the successful conclusion of this initiative. Thank you.
Chair:
Israel?
Israel:
Thank you, Madam Chair. For us also, this will be the last intervention that we’ll have during this round, during this last day of the Ad Hoc. I’d like to start by joining so many in this room that have thanked you personally, and I’d like to thank you on a personal basis and also on a national basis. You’ve proven your leadership, your openness, your willingness, and your optimism, and really on a personal note, the fact that you’ve really opened your door to us and to all other delegations has helped a lot achieve this great achievement. And of course, to join others by thanking Taher and your team, the tireless efforts, the hardworking, of course, John and the team from Vienna, the UNODC, and the New York team. The fact that we have split our sessions between New York and Vienna put more burden, and all of you have done a great work. And of course, to thank the vice chairs, and also to thank each and every delegation in this room. As someone, like many others, that has been in this process from the early stages, we have said many times during the process that the whole world, the global citizens, are looking at us, looking at this room, whether it’s here or in Vienna, and expect us to have a result. And I think that all of us can be very, very proud that we managed to bring this result. Some say that multilateralism, and especially consensus, are arts. Some say that consensus is the art of making everybody unhappy on an equal basis. I don’t know about this process, but of course, we have our share, I can speak about our share of unhappiness. Not everything that we suggested went into the text. Not all our edits were taken into consideration. Not everything that we wanted is in the text. So we can live with some unhappiness. But all in all, we are very, very glad to join consensus, and together with everyone here in this room, and adopt this text, which is not perfect, but it’s the possible one. And it’s a good result, in our view. Now we should all look forward, and we hope that this instrument, the new instrument that we have created, will, as soon as possible, assist on a global, on a universal basis, assist us all to prevent and to counter this phenomenon of cybercrime that has implications on our economies, on our societies, on citizens, and assist the victims of these crimes. And again, to thank everyone on your side and around the room. Thank you very much.
Chair:
Thank you. United Kingdom.
United Kingdom:
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning, colleagues. Madam Chair, one thing that all delegations have been able to agree throughout this process is the need to strengthen efforts. to combat cybercrime. This convention can make a practical difference in achieving that aim. It harmonizes domestic legislation on a set of core criminal offenses, including, for the first time, the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. It strengthens international cooperation and it promotes technical assistance and capacity building. Importantly, it does these things in a manner which is consistent with and builds upon existing United Nations and international instruments, including the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention. For example, the convention includes important provisions which better protect our children online and which protect the personal data of our citizens. In the spirit of compromise, the UK joined consensus on the basis of robust safeguards that balance the convention’s broad scope of international cooperation and intrusive procedural powers. The UK has consistently advocated the importance of such safeguards and we firmly believe those safeguards articulated in Article 6, 24, 40, and elsewhere can enable effective international cooperation by building trust and confidence between states’ parties. Looking to the future, compliance with international human rights law will be an integral part of the implementation and operation of the convention. Whether that be criminalization, the exercise of procedural powers, the rendering of international cooperation, or the provision of technical assistance and capacity building. The UK remains of the view that a supplementary protocol is not necessary at this point. Our negotiations over the past two and a half years have demonstrated that there is no consensus on additional criminal offenses. Madam Chair, stakeholders have undoubtedly played an invaluable role in our negotiations and we should ensure they can do the same as the Ad Hoc Committee continues its work and in the future Conference of Parties. Finally, the UK would like to thank all of those delegates and colleagues who have worked so hard to deliver this convention, including the vice-chairs, the various facilitators and coordinators, and the secretariat. Madam Chair, the delegation wholeheartedly praises the work that you and Tahar have done to find a delicate balance between divergent positions which has led us to consensus. We salute your dedication, your patience, and your courage. Merci, Madame la Présidente.
Chair:
Thank you very much, United Kingdom. Personally, I very much appreciated your sense of humor, which helped me, quite frankly. Thank you very much, Belarus.
Belarus:
Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen, we express our gratitude to you, we express our gratitude to you, Madam Chairman, your team, the vice-chairs of the committee, all delegations that took an active part in the negotiation process, as well as to the secretariat and to the interpreters for their excellent work. Madam Chair, it is largely thanks to your diplomatic talent and personal qualities, as well as the efforts you have made throughout the entire negotiation process of the work of this ad hoc committee, that we were able to finalize this draft convention. While expressing some disappointment at the lack of consensus, we are nevertheless satisfied with the outcome of the work of the ad hoc committee. The most important thing was the creation by the international community of an international convention for enabling an international response to crimes in the area of information and communication technologies and cyber security. We welcome the possibility provided in the document to enhance it and its scope, taking into account the speed of progress in the area of digital technologies, and we place great hopes in the convention. We are convinced that the convention we have adopted will make a tangible contribution to the effective fight against cybercrime. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you to you, South Africa.
South Africa:
Thank you, Madam Chair. South Africa congratulates and expresses its appreciation to Madam Chair, the Vice Chairs Taha, and the Secretariat for their hard work and dedication. We acknowledge the challenging task of addressing the multiple concerns of delegations on an array of very important and complex issues. Cybercrime transcends borders and affects every nation. A unified international response ensures that no country is left vulnerable, making international cooperation essential. We trust this convention will provide a legal framework to meaningfully combat cybercrime through enhanced international cooperation whilst respecting human rights. South Africa has consistently emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the convention, stressing that developing countries need adequate technical assistance, capacity building, and technology transfer to implement this convention. Lastly, Madam Chair, South Africa expresses immense pride in you and the Government of Algeria in bringing the committee together to adopt the world’s first cybercrime convention in such a short time frame, setting a historic precedent for future international cooperation and agreements. We thank you.
Chair:
Thank you to South Africa. Thank you. United States.
United States:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Cybercrime is one of the most pervasive challenges of our time. Impacting citizens all over the globe every single day. This is not a threat that any of us can battle alone. Our committee has adopted a convention against cybercrime that reflects universal values as well as U.S. interests, including focused criminalization provisions, robust and flexible provisions on technical assistance, which we see as a critical part of this instrument, and strong provisions to safeguard human rights that are unprecedented in a U.N. criminal justice convention. This compromise text, adopted by consensus, represents the hard work of many member states, informed by countless civil society, industry, and other stakeholder views. And the United States hopes that it reflects a durable commitment to combating cybercrime under a rights-respecting framework. This convention will complement a wide range of actions that the United States is already undertaking to fight cybercrime. Our actions include technical assistance and capacity building, as well as intensive multilateral engagement, including through the U.S. leadership in the Counter Ransomware Initiative. Our actions can also include economic sanctions, which are lawful and legitimate, and are a tool for promoting accountability. This convention will provide a new form in which the United States can engage directly with other states, even when our values and legal approaches differ. It also goes further than any existing international instrument through its groundbreaking provisions to protect children online, including through the criminalization of the solicitation and grooming for the purpose of committing a sexual offense against a child. And this convention will require parties to criminalize the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images for the first time in any international instrument, giving us a key tool to combat this growing international harm. In addition, any party that tries to invoke the convention to suppress human rights or fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, conscience, opinion, religion or belief, peaceful assembly and association, will be transgressing their binding legal obligations under this convention. We wish to be very clear. The United States will continue to strongly condemn and work to combat the persistent human rights abuses that we see across the globe by governments who misuse and abuse cybercriminal laws and other cyber-related statutes and tools to target human rights defenders, journalists, dissidents and others. This convention, unfortunately, cannot prevent such abuses, but it does not, I repeat, it does not facilitate them. To the contrary, it includes safeguards and protections unprecedented in a UN criminal justice convention as we work to protect against them. The convention also empowers parties with a new tool to say no to requests for mutual legal assistance that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, language, religion, national, ethnic origin or political opinion. And this convention will require critical safeguards in this convention. The convention will require critical safeguards for the use of domestic powers, including when providing mutual legal assistance to other parties. Parties must ensure that the law enforcement tools they will use to help each other combat cyber crime are constrained by conditions and safeguards that protect human rights, such as judicial review and a right to effective remedy. A party that does not provide for such safeguards when they invoke this convention will be contravening international law, and the United States will continue to condemn the unlawful suppression of human rights in the strongest possible terms. We want to thank you and Tahar and all the vice chairs and coordinators and the Secretariat for your tireless work to bring together a wide range of views and seek to find consensus when we found ourselves at impasses. Your team’s patient guidance and assistance helped us find our way to adoption of the convention. Our attention now turns to the hard work of an inclusive and transparent implementation process that ensures states abide by international law and respect human rights. And as we have for many years and we’ve repeated here, the United States stands ready to facilitate implementation and international cooperation, including through technical assistance and capacity building. That work starts tomorrow, Madam Chair. Today we welcome the committee’s adoption of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime as a rights-respecting criminal justice system for the 21st century and beyond. We will also be submitting a longer statement as you have so indicated that we can. But I want to, a titre personnel, I want to salute you and Tahar as extraordinary diplomats. You were true to your values and your culture and you ably built bridges in this process to allow different countries and regions to better listen to each other to achieve a consensus. It was a masterful performance and it has been an honor to work with you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
There we go. Merci. Thank you very much to the United States. I also thank you in my personal capacity, you and your entire team, for your constant availability to listen to the situation as it evolves and to lend a very attentive ear to the concerns that I was conveying from various parties. This availability and readiness on your part shows that when we listen to one another, as you have said and as many others have said, when we take the time to listen to one another, we can make progress. And this applies not only to this committee, but it is our role as diplomats to take some time to listen to one another. Thank you very much. China.
China:
Distinguished Madam Chair Mabaki, colleagues, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, I would like to extend warm congratulations on the adoption of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. Since the negotiations began in January 2022, Madam Chair Ambassador Mabaki has spearheaded the negotiation process with extraordinary leadership. Government representatives have participated in all sessions constructively. Some representatives have assumed the important role of coordinators. The UNODC and interpreters of all languages have provided high-quality conference services. China expresses its heartfelt thanks to you, Madam Chair, all government delegations, the coordinators, the UNODC, and interpreters for their tireless efforts and hard work. Colleagues, the world has entered the digital age in which cybercrime is a common threat and challenge to all countries. The UN Convention Against Cybercrime adopted today is an important milestone. As the first global convention in cyberspace formulated under the auspices of the UN, it is the latest achievement of the international community in jointly addressing common challenges in cyberspace and a victory for the UN and multilateralism. We are confident that the convention, upon its entry into force, will provide a universal, authoritative, and effective legal framework for countries to prevent and combat cybercrime. China highly values international cooperation in combating cybercrime. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that the development of internet knows no borders or boundaries. To utilize, develop, and govern the internet well, we must deepen international cooperation in cyberspace and join hands to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace. China, as a major cyber country, has played an active role in advancing the negotiation process, and we have rich experience in combating cyberspace through legislation, law enforcement, and judicial activities. We stand ready to exchange information and experience and strengthen cooperation with the UNODC and all countries under the framework of the convention. At the same time, we should be keenly aware that criminal groups and criminals commit cybercrimes in ever-evolving ways and means, and that the convention cannot solve the problem once and for all. We look forward to working with all countries for the early entry into force and implementation of the convention and for the negotiation of additional protocols to prevent and combat cybercrime more effectively on a global scale. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much. I also want to share here that throughout the whole process, I apologize to the speaker. I’m losing my voice a little bit from emotion, but I want to tell you personally how much I owe to you, your open spirit, flexibility, the flexibility that China demonstrated throughout the entire process played a decisive role, and I think everyone recognizes this. And for this, I commend you personally as well as your team and your government. Thank you very much for your support. Peru has the floor.
Peru:
Good morning, Madam Chair, the Bureau of Distinguished Delegations. Firstly, the delegation of Peru would like once again to express our gratitude and pay tribute to you, Madam Chair, to your team for your diligent, efficient leadership during each of the stages in these negotiations, which has made us to reach this happy conclusion with a UN convention against cybercrime. Therefore, the delegation of Peru would like to express to you, Madam Chair, our most sincere congratulations. These also go to delegations, and we are happy at having been able to play a part in these three years of exchanges and contributions to arrive at an international, balanced, suitable, technical, legal instrument effectively to address cybercrime, but also to enable the transfer of technology, as agreed, in order to enhance our capacities in this sphere. Our delegation is pleased at having been able to play a part with the other delegations represented here in arriving at this goal and this major achievement. But as well as this, Peru would particularly like to say to you, Madam, and to delegations, how grateful we are for your having supported and welcomed our initiative from Peru to include in 2E the express reference to a virtual essence, that we believe will be extremely useful for the timely detection, prohibition, and sanctioning of the crimes and offenses that lead to laundering of the proceeds of crime which happens at present in cyberspace. And this convention, again, deals with that in the preamble and in Article 17. Lastly, Madam Chairman, you can henceforth count on Peru’s full commitment to continue to support reasonable, continuing actions to lead, within reasonable time, to the ratification, entry into force and implementation of this convention. On behalf of Peru, we wish to express our most sincere congratulations and thanks to all of you.
Chair:
Thank you, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka:
Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. Sri Lanka would like to congratulate you, Madam Chair, and the ADOC Committee on the adoption of this historic multilateral convention against cybercrime, which provides for an international legal framework for combating cybercrime in keeping with other relevant international and regional instruments. We extend our sincere gratitude to you, Madam Chair, your Bureau, and the UNODC Secretariat for your tireless efforts and commitment towards finalizing and adopting this landmark convention, reflecting to the greatest extent possible the universal norms and cultural diversities in the spirit of compromise. This indeed is a victory for multilateralism, signifying the tangible achievements that can be made to solve challenges in the digital world through effective and constructive cooperation among member states. Cybercrime is a social evil that takes place both within and across borders, threatening the safety and well-being of the people of all nations. Cybercrime hinders the economic development of all countries, and its impact on our children demand immediate action. Hence, this landmark convention provides for an important legal framework for member states to cooperate with each other internationally in combating cybercrime through the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of such crimes. International cooperation is paramount in combating cybercrime, and Sri Lanka remains committed to cooperate with other member states in combating such crimes. We thoroughly believe that this multilateral convention would facilitate international cooperation required for the effective control and counteraction of cybercrime. We once again appreciate the efforts of you, Madam Chair, and the Ad Hoc Committee for making this end in our fight against cybercrime a reality. I thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much. I will read out the list of speakers again – Angola, Morocco, Uruguay, Australia, Algeria, Venezuela, Sudan, Panama, Ecuador, Sao Tome and PrÃncipe, Canada, Tunisia, Philippines, Central African Republic, Indonesia, Namibia, Brazil, Iceland, Japan, Uganda, Georgia, Kenya, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia. Angola has the floor.
Angola:
Madam Chair, having come to this point, we feel that we must pay tribute to the wisdom and intelligence with which you have led our work culminating in the approval of the United Nations Draft Convention on Cybercrime. Our gratitude also extends to all the members of your Secretariat. It was a long and difficult journey. We converged on certain points and diverged on others, but the need to provide the world with an international and comprehensive instrument to fight cybercrime obliged us to approve this text, which from our point of view is a good foundation to effectively combat against this phenomenon and ensure frank and productive international cooperation. Madam Chair, Angola once again calls for international solidarity in the area of technical assistance, capacity building and transfer of technologies from the most developed countries to developing countries because fighting cybercrime requires a comprehensive approach and no one can be left behind. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. You have made the world proud. You have made the African continent proud. You have made women proud. And you have become a source of inspiration for us all. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much, my dear sister from Angola. I was greatly helped by all of my sisters present here since the very beginning, and I think all of you, our life can be very difficult as women when we are also involved in an area that is so sensitive. Sometimes we are forced to leave our spouses, our children aside for other commitments, and I apologize to my son in this respect because I feel like I have often neglected him to serve my country, and my spouse also has suffered and continues to suffer for the priority I accord to the interests of my country. But they both know that it is for the benefit and well-being of the people of Algeria and all the peoples of the world. Thank you very much. To all of you, I have been very touched by the various messages I have received since yesterday, the many congratulations. I thank you all sincerely. My dear sisters, I hope that you will all one day be ambassadors. It is indeed so inspiring to defend the positions of one country, one’s country. I now give the floor to Morocco.
Morocco:
I’ll shift to English because I prepared my words on that. So first of all, Morocco welcomes the adoption of the landmark UN Convention Against Rape or Crime. We seize this opportunity to thank you dearly, Madam Chair, for all your efforts and also of that of your team, namely our dear colleague Tahar, for all your efforts throughout this process that has bring us together as a committee to lend in this outcome. Similarly, my delegation would like to salute the efforts of all the members of the Bureau, especially those who have served as co-facilitator and who have led us swiftly during the informals and have helped to – us to come together to agree many paragraphs in this process. Of course, it would be amiss not to commend and present sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the members of the Secretariat under the leadership of Mr. John Bernardino for their tireless efforts and also for their patience throughout this long and delicate journey. My delegation has been constructively engaged in this process since its inception, both in Vienna and New York. All our national departments have participated and followed this process with constructiveness and good faith and with full attention and cooperation. For the sake of brevity, and since we have stated this beforely and – sorry, previously and have shown this yesterday in the results of the votes of the amendment, the Kingdom of Morocco had difficulty and concerns with the stipulation pertained in certain paragraphs of Article 14 and 16, as well as the definition of regional and economic integration organization in Article 2. However, for the sake of compromise and flexibility shown across the board from all member states, Morocco is pleased to join the consensus and welcome the adoption of this convention. Last but not least, my delegation would like to highlight that the adoption of the first UN Convention on Cybercrime, the first global instrument in this field, speaks loud and strong about the shared commitment of all member states to combat and prevent the scourge of cybercrime and to set a base for stronger international cooperation and mutual legal assistance to protect our current and future generation from this growing threat. Above all, this adoption is a testimony, a strong testimony, that multilateralism is indispensable. Despite geopolitical divisions, increasing ones, the UN and the United Nations has been able to deliver and to uphold its pillars of human rights development, peace, security, and the rule of law. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Uruguay.
Uruguay:
Thank you very much, indeed, Madam Chair. Uruguay would like most sincerely to thank you and pay tribute to you, to your entire team, the members of the Bureau, the Secretariat, and everybody who has displayed such untiring efforts during the entire process, and we include there all those delegations which have shown such commitment in their participation. The result that we have arrived at will not just contribute to our shared goal to have a more effective international way of combating cybercrime and to strengthen international cooperation and promote technical assistance on this. It will also drive forward multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. We would like again to thank you for your vast diplomatic skills, your wisdom. and your forbearance along this lengthy path. We wish you the very best for the future, and may it include a well-deserved rest this weekend. Thank you.
Chair:
Yes, thank you very much, Australia.
Australia:
Thank you so much, Madam Chair. You have Australia’s and my very sincere thanks for steering this committee to safe harbor. I align with the statement made yesterday by the distinguished delegate of Tonga on behalf of the Pacific Island Forum member states. Like many states, there are many things that Australia would have liked to see included in this text, and there are many parts of this convention with which Australia is uncomfortable. However, given the robust safeguards that are secured in this text, Australia is very pleased to join consensus to adopt our United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime. There are some things that Australia must put on the record regarding our interpretation. I will confine myself to one essential issue this morning and provide the others in writing. Australia has long supported the inclusion of Article 16 to respond to the growing serious harms caused by the dissemination of intimate images online without the consent of the persons depicted. While we have agreed to a convention that includes paragraph six of Article 16, for the record, Australia considers that this paragraph acknowledges that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images can be subject to other measures under domestic law, but this paragraph does not replace the need to ensure that such conduct is criminalized. Further, we consider that such other measures would not be considered offenses established under this convention, and any measures must be undertaken consistent with the state party’s international obligations, including international human rights law. Nor does this paragraph criminalize the sharing of intimate images between consenting adults. This convention is the result of our collective labor. I want to thank everyone who has guided us through this process, particularly my fellow Bureau members and the Secretariat, Augustina, Celso, Marcus, John, Lada, Shahan, Gilberto, Baba, Zulka. Everyone, thank you so much. It’s amazing to have worked with you all. I also want to take the opportunity to recognize the very hard work of the experts behind the experts. This would not have been possible without the silent experts, practitioners, advisors sitting in the seats behind us here and behind your delegates in the chairs. Thank you so much. My team and yours, Madam Chair, the indefatigable, the inexhaustible, the tenacious Tahar, I hope you’re very proud. While this is the last time I take the floor, I hope this is not the last time I have the opportunity to work with you, Madam Chair. I’ve learned so much working with you and I’m so grateful for all of your hard work. Thank you.
Chair:
Merci beaucoup, cher Brioni. Thank you very much, dear Brioni. You, Eric from Brazil, George from Nigeria, Koshi de Jacon and Bragajit of South Africa, you were all co-chairs with me to some extent because we all led these negotiations together. It was not easy indeed and you were excellent facilitators and I’m sure the entire committee thanks you most sincerely for your efforts and your openness and thank you also to all of the experts here in the room. Venezuela has the floor.
Venezuela:
Madam Chair, firstly, I should like to acknowledge your work heading this ad hoc committee over the last three years. There’s no gain saying that your leadership was decisive to steer us to a safe harbor, ensuring the successful conclusion of these negotiations and the adoption by consensus of this unprecedented Convention Against Cybercrime. We would also wish to extend our congratulations to all of your team, the members of the Bureau and the Secretariat for their valuable support. Madam, during the process which is concluding today, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has always participated actively and constructively as we believe how necessary it is to have a legally binding instrument which will enable us to stride forward, preventing and combating this modern scourge which affects us all equally. We always embarked on discussions with good faith and we provided much demonstration of our flexibility in order to arrive at compromises which would serve the main purpose of there being a universal convention here. We always advocated an instrument which would deal with crimes in a broad spectrum with the use of ICTs for criminal purposes. And as a developing country, we also advocated the transfer, unrestricted transfer of technology given the deep divide between the North and the South here. And we also want to see unconditional cooperation, certainly not conditioned by alleged failings on human rights, a sphere which very often is politicized and instrumentalized to attack sovereign states. We also stressed from the very outset that the emphasis of this convention must be on the prevention and countering of cybercrime. But other areas which already dealt with under other existing international instruments taking into account that, where it’s not so, we would undermine the principle of mutual legal assistance and that of international cooperation which should prevail here. Thus, for our country, paragraph 6.2 and 40.22 of the text which was adopted yesterday are inconsistent with what we believe should be the purpose of this convention. We state once again our express reservation on these paragraphs. Madam, for Venezuela, this new instrument is a qualitative leap in combating the use of ICTs for criminal purposes. It opens areas for international cooperation to combat this dreadful scourge in the midst of a world of chaos and deregulation on this, including everything pertaining to social networks which affects our societies, particularly when it comes to social economic development, human rights and political stability. Their irresponsible use, the irresponsible use of social media also attacks the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. Again, the culmination that we’ve achieved here comes at a time that is particularly important, particularly for our country, which last Sunday, the 28th of July, elected the President of the Republic for the six years term 2025 to 2031, as is well known. Despite the atmosphere of peace and civil obedience, which indicated, which marked these elections, the Venezuelan electoral system, which has been totally automatic and electronic since 2004 was the subject of more than 30 million cyber attacks per minute. This was followed by massive attacks against government portals. These actions, which we once again denounced, are in a clear context of destabilization, which intended for there to be a blackout of information and to consolidate coup d’etat against the authorities, constitutional authorities of this country. We are a victim here and therefore we have to support, to address these issues from a multilateral perspective with cooperation, overcoming the profound asymmetries that we see here. Madam, the vast new attack against Venezuela, which includes malicious use of ICGs, highlights the importance of this convention and how these so-called cyber crimes are used in a criminal fashion to drive forward disinformation campaigns, to curtail the right to information, to be informed, to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states, including their elections, to stir up chaos, unrest, turbulence, and violent extremism leading to terrorism, to attack peace and national stability, regional and international as well, and indeed to impose regimes which serve the interests of those who directly or indirectly participate or benefit from these cyber crimes. Here we welcome the inclusion of the trenchant language on the criminalization of these attacks against their vital state infrastructure, taking into account here that our country was a recent victim of this, not just regarding its electoral system, as we indicated, but we’ve also had attacks against our national electric system and other strategic areas in our nation, including our oil and gas industries, as part of the same failed strategy in order to ferment policies to change the regime, including, to change the government, including by means of the use and threat of the use of force. Lastly, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wants to see this convention leading to order and legality, to move forward in international cooperation, combating the malicious use of ICTs, which should really contribute to face up to technological imperialism and the historical monopolies here, which have generated so much chaos and deliberate dependency, particularly for our countries in the global South, which lastly are the mere targets of these tools, which are very often used for criminal purposes. From there, the landmark that we achieved today is a special opportunity for the U.S. end to take real steps forward to put an end to cyber coups, such as that in our country, so that they can be defeated, so that our people can say, as they do aloud today, that they are determined to be masters of their own destiny and to support their authorities. Thank you very much.
Sudan:
Thank you very much, Madam. May I, as I commence, say how sincerely we appreciate you and your team have acted. We thank the Bureau, the Secretariat, all of those who, during the negotiations, have been with us over the difficult months. For us, this is a feat, indeed, for the whole world. It’s a result of constructive cooperation amongst member states. The world has very much suffered from ICT crime. This has led to wide-scale suffering for societies. The authorities in many states can no longer combat the challenges from ICTs. And despite the comments that we made regarding certain paragraphs and articles, this text is the result of consensus, and it constitutes a stage forward in having a legal framework to combat these crimes. We trust that this convention will provide the necessary protection for our societies and also lead to an enhancement of international cooperation on this. The adoption of this convention is a clear message that the international community stands together and is endeavouring to protect mankind as a whole. Madam, we’re delighted to see a woman from Africa chairing this meeting. We are also proud, the whole international community is proud, because you provide a wonderful image of African women. You’ve played an important role. You are a source of inspiration for us. The international community has vested its trust in you and in Africa through you. This is a reflection of the trust the international community has given to African women to participate in change in the world. As I conclude, I want to congratulate you once again, Madam, and all participating delegations. We trust that we shall be able to bring about justice and equity in the digital world. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much for this statement. Thank you, Panama.
Panama:
Madam, the delegation of Panama most sincerely congratulates you and thanks you for the very hard, meticulous, and efficient work you’ve done. Our congratulations also go to your team. We are very honoured to have been able to share this process with such a high level of experts from all states, and with the knowledge and all the contributions that have gone to shape this international instrument. We believe that the text is an endeavour to bring about a balance amongst the legal systems of our states, which are difficult to reconcile, but we certainly share objectives and we wish to combat crime. These aspirations are stronger than any of our differences. This convention is a true instrument that will enable us to overcome obstacles and meet challenges when it comes, essentially, to international legal cooperation. Panama would like to thank states for their ongoing support and encouragement in arriving at this commitment, which we firmly embrace. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Madam. Ecuador.
Ecuador:
Thank you, Madam Chair, and I must apologize for once again taking the floor. I’d just very briefly like to say that Ecuador wishes to thank those countries who have facilitated Ecuador’s participation during these negotiations, as well as helping the active participation of this delegation into this process. You have also inspired my country to strengthen our institutions, our provisions and our state ability to combat and prevent cybercrime. As well as this, the network that we have has been extended. We welcome this opportunity for support, which has meant that Ecuador feels it is in a better position, it’s better prepared, effectively, to implement the treaty. And lastly, we should like to thank you, Madam Chairman, for putting on such a high pedestal the role of women here. This is an inspiration for women who are part of the fellowship program Women and Cyber. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, for your example and for your support.
Chair:
Muchas gracias, querida amiga. Thank you very much, dear friend. Saúl Tomei PrÃncipe.
São Tomé and PrÃncipe:
Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Republic of Saúl Tomei PrÃncipe, I would like to direct to you and your entire team our warmest congratulations and the sentiment of our deepest compliment for the extraordinary accomplishment in the history of the cybercrime fighting process. Madam Chair, not succeeding in having these conventions so critical in countering the cybercrime activities would mean the victory for the criminal agent and failure to provide protection to all the victims of the cyberattack and would mean at last denying to the world and the future generation the right to safety and the sustainable economic development. In fact, we’ve come from a way too far for not being able to succeed in having these paramount instruments. And during the set of sessions that my delegation was given to see, we witnessed different views and positions stemming from different countries based on their own peculiarities of their internal tradition and legal order, which at first seemed to be impairing the progress of our work. But regardless of those differences, under your ingenious guidance, the words bridging the gaps, consensus, and the spirit of compromising were heard all the time and were never disregarded by the countries throughout the whole process of discussion and negotiation. And with that in mind, we were capable of setting aside a great deal of core issues which were keeping us away from reaching the approval of this important universal tool. The product that we were able to deliver yesterday definitely is not the perfect one as it does not satisfy to the fullest extent the expectation of all the countries here represented. However, it reflects the wishes of the wide majority of the countries, including my country, South Manitoba, which are eager and cannot wait any longer for another moment to take the step forward in starting to make the world a better place and safeguarded from the cyber crimes activity through an effective mean of the exchange of the experience, information, technology, multilegal assistance, and cross-border cooperation. Thank you very much, Madam.
Chair:
Thank you so much. Canada, please.
Canada:
Thank you, Madam Chair. From all the members of the Canadian delegation, for your leadership in this committee, we could not have gotten to a conclusion without your tireless work. Thank you to Tahar for working harder than anyone in this room. Thanks to all of our vice chairs who listened to us with patience for what seemed like endless informal sessions. Thank you to our stakeholders for enriching this process with your expertise and collaboration. And to our dear secretariat colleagues who not only work in quiet humility behind the scenes, but may have the hardest job of all, sitting at the front of the room and keeping a straight face. Bravo. Madam Chair, we will confine our substantive comments to Articles 14 and 16, which are important articles in this treaty. Regarding Article 14, this article offers updated legislative benchmarks for state parties to tackle child sexual exploitation and abuse materials offenses. This was an opportunity to raise the level of protection for our children, and we succeeded. We believe that these provisions are wholly consistent with both the optional protocol to the CRC and its more recent guidelines on implementation of the optional protocol. They represent a significant improvement for child protection and combating sexual exploitation. We should be very proud of this accomplishment. This article will be helpful in increasing not only protection for our children, but also act as a deterrent effect for those who seek to exploit the online environment to create AI-generated materials. Regarding Article 16, Canada championed the inclusion of Article 16 since the beginning of this process. While we thought its inclusion could be challenging, and it proved true, we have known since enacting our law in 2015 that this criminal behaviour is pervasive and highly problematic. It is prevalent in sextortion cases and is a routine cause of adolescent suicides, with a particular impact on women and girls. The Committee has done very good work by including it in the Convention. Specifically on Article 16, paragraph 6, Canada wants to make clear that it understands that Article 16 in its entirety exclusively addresses the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. The addition of paragraph 6 in the final iteration does not change that reading. Importantly, the content of Article 16.6 does not establish or operationalize anything under the provisions of the Treaty. Lastly, Madam Chair, Canada is firm in our conviction that the human rights protections and safeguards in this Treaty are integral, and states are bound by international law to implement them. They are not a pick-and-choose menu or obstacles to be skirted. They must be complied with in their entirety and to the highest standards when states are implementing the provisions and conduct under this Treaty. Canada will, and we expect that all states will, strive to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms when combating cybercrime. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you so much. Now I have the great pleasure to give the floor to the Ambassador of Algeria here in New York.
Algeria:
Thank you, Madam President. I’ve come here to thank you. Thank all of you, men and women, for the support you have lent to my colleague, my colleague and friend, Ambassador Foumaida Boumaké, during this long journey over three years of the negotiations of this Convention on Cybercrime. Rest assured, I’m not going to expound upon the various chapters of this Convention. I’ve come here chiefly to bear witness to you of the commitment of Ambassador Moubaké, to bear witness before you again of the moments of doubt, of discouragement, of her moments of solitude during this. I would also like to tell you of her times of hope, of hope because with her skills, her ability to listen, she has been able to grasp those times when there was a window of opportunity. A window of opportunity to transcend the differences which are natural in this room. And lastly, today, to bring about this rare communion amongst us, to adopt this Convention. Dear colleagues, Madame Moubaké, my friend, I do not even dare to tell you how long she’s been my friend, but I can tell you how proud I am today. How proud I am to count her amongst the best diplomats of our generation. This is a woman who has devoted her entire life, sometimes sacrificing her family life, who has devoted her entire life to defend the interests of my country, but not those alone, to defend the interests of mankind. And I am here today, proudly, as I see her on this podium, receive the gratitude of members of the international community. Thank you, Madame Moubaké. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much. Thank you, Ambassador. We’ve been friends for 45 years. That’s a lot. A long time. And I want to say that it’s thanks to the Ambassador that I have learnt my diplomacy. He was Ambassador in Moscow. What I am today is thanks to him, to some extent. I would also like to say that it’s thanks to men like the Ambassador, like the President of the Republic of Algeria, who are determined to encourage women, to promote them. It’s thanks to them that we can smash the glass ceiling. So through all of you, I would ask all governments of the entire world to trust women. Thank you very much. Tunisia. Tunisia.
Tunisia:
Thank you, Madame Chair. It’s so hard for me to take the floor after His Excellency, the President of Tunisia, Ambassador, please allow me to extend my deepest appreciation to you. I thank TAHER, the Bureau, and the Secretariat. I thank you all for your tireless efforts to help reach this landmark convention. This convention will be a key pillar of joint international action to counter and prevent cybercrime. Madame Chair, your wise leadership, patience, and foresightedness throughout this journey have been inspiring to all of us to pursue our discussions and to reach compromise solutions at the toughest moments. These qualities are well known for Algeria and for its diplomats who are active in effective multilateralism. Madame Chair, we call on all of us to pursue our efforts to ensure the entry into force of this convention. We hope that we will take advantage of the multiple opportunities that this convention will provide in terms of mutual legal assistance and cooperation and transfer of knowledge in full respect of human rights principles and in accordance with the social values and domestic laws. Thank you, Madame Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much for your words, Philippines.
Philippines:
Thank you, Madame Chair. The Philippines has always been committed in fighting cybercrime, doing the best within its ability to work with foreign counterparts for investigation and prosecution, and also for capacity building. It is with this that we are happy for the adoption of this UN Convention Against Cybercrime by consensus. Our law is fully compliant and we eagerly anticipate and look forward to the convention’s effective implementation. Madame Chair, on behalf of the Philippine delegation, delegation, allow me to express our sincere appreciation for your effective leadership in steering this committee and the Secretariat’s efficiency and tireless efforts in working towards the success of the drafting and in reaching out to all the members. We are also extending our gratitude to the vice chairs for their diligent work in numerous informals and small group discussions throughout this process. The Philippines congratulates and thanks all states for their flexibility and openness to discussion. We believe that the Texas drafted reflects a fair compromise, which is a product of years of negotiation and debate. The journey has been marked by diverse perspectives, but it’s through effective leadership, diplomacy, and the sharing of a common goal that we have achieved this significant milestone. The Philippines stands firmly behind this convention and pledges unwavering support, particularly in matters of cooperation. Certain articles and paragraphs, those addressing the protection of children online and safeguards, hold special importance and urgency for us. Again, thank you, Madam Chair, for your patience, hard work, and commitment to multilateralism. Maraming salamat po.
Chair:
Thank you very much. The Central African Republic.
Central African Republic:
Madam Chair, thank you very much for giving me the floor. Madam Chair, the delegation of the Central African Republic would like to extend to you, your team, and your Secretary at its most sincere congratulations for your tireless efforts that have made possible the adoption of this draft International Convention Against Cybercrime. Despite the fact that positions expressed by our delegations regarding strengthening the protection of the rights of the child, as well as those relating to ensuring transfer of technologies towards developing states, were not taken into account, we remain convinced nonetheless that what we have before us is an important legal instrument that will undoubtedly in the combat against cybercrime, which is now taking on a worrying scale across the world, the delegation of my country affirms its determination and commitment to the process of ratifying the Convention in order to ensure its effective implementation. Finally, I would like to most sincerely thank all the states who contributed to funding the participation of developing countries, which has allowed us to be present here today. We most sincerely thank them and extend our gratitude. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you to the representative of the Central African Republic. You have given me an opportunity to once again sincerely thank all the donor states who made it possible for a number of states to participate, which ensured inclusivity, broad inclusivity, which we can be proud of. Thank you again. Indonesia.
Indonesia:
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. From the very beginning, Indonesia has been a staunch advocate for the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee, consistently displaying a commitment to flexibility throughout the negotiation process. We believe that collaborative approach is instrumental in achieving the final draft of the Convention that has now garnered widespread acceptance. Indonesia warmly welcomes the historic adoption of our first-ever Cybercrime Convention. These landmark conventions represent a significant advancement in our collective efforts to fortify international cooperation in the face of the rapidly escalating threat of cybercrime on a global scale. We deeply appreciate that the international community has at last secured a comprehensive cybercrime convention under the auspices of the United Nations. For Indonesia, the adopted draft stands as a well-calibrated and a thorough document striking a careful balance between the imperatives of preventing and combating cybercrime, while safeguarding human rights and enhancing international collaboration. Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment to harnessing the potential of this convention to bolster our own national legal framework. This is a critical step in fortifying our legal system against the evolving challenges posed by cybercrime. In conclusion, Indonesia wishes to join the others in expressing our sincere gratitude to the Chair and your team for the exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts in guiding the process to a successful outcome. I thank you.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Namibia.
Namibia:
Thank you, Madam Chair. As we conclude this historic session, the Namibian delegation expresses its profound gratitude for your exceptional leadership throughout the arduous process that led to the successful adoption of the convention. Your unwavering commitment and diplomatic finesse have been truly commendable. Madam Chair, throughout this process, we have all learned the art of compromise. We’ve seen that in multilateral negotiations, flexibility and mutual understanding are key. While we may not have achieved all of our initial objectives, we can all take pride in the balanced and robust convention we have collectively crafted. The journey to this achievement has been one of both challenges and triumphs. We have witnessed heated debates, moments of deadlock, and breakthroughs that seemed almost miraculous. This is the essence of effective multilateralism. Namibia is particularly pleased with the provisions on international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, and the supplementary protocol. These elements will ensure that all nations, regardless of their technological development, can effectively combat cybercrime. As we celebrate this milestone, we must look to the future. The adoption of this convention marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our real work begins now as we translate these principles into action. We call upon all member states to approach implementation with the same spirit of cooperation that has brought us here. We must continue to share best practices, provide mutual assistance, and continuously innovate our approaches to anticipate and neutralize emerging cyber threats. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Namibia reaffirms its commitment to the principles enshrined in this convention. We must stand ready to work with all member states to bring its provisions to life for the security of our shared digital future. Let us leave with a renewed determination to make this convention an effective instrument in the fight against cybercrime. Namibia looks forward with optimism to the next phase of our collective efforts in countering cybercrime. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Brazil.
Brazil:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me also – sorry. Madam Chair, the path that took us to adopting a convention against cybercrime yesterday has been long. Back in 2010, in the 12th UN Crime Congress held in Salvador, Brazil, this idea was introduced and as a result, we have established the Intergovernmental Experts Group in Vienna. For a decade, the possibility of negotiating this convention was the object of difficult discussions. To have concluded our work on this convention by consensus on such a complex topic and in the current international context is an impressive achievement. It is a victory of multilateralism and a testimony to the importance of the United Nations. We have reached a landmark agreement, one that we are sure will provide a sound legal basis to fight against cybercrime. We have also reached an outcome that represents a significant advancement on providing human rights safeguards and guarantees to guide international cooperation in countering this sort of crime. Madam Chair, let me also underline the important role stakeholders play in the fight against cybercrime as well as their participation in this committee. Non-governmental organizations, private companies and academia have been with us along the way. We heard their concerns, which were an essential contribution to our negotiations. The participation of a diverse set of stakeholders will certainly also play a positive part in the implementation of our convention. Finally, Madam Chair, I would like to register our deep appreciation to your hard work and your admirable patience, kindness and strength. Your steady leadership has led us to this successful result of this committee. We also express our admiration for the untiring work of Tahar and for the excellent support of the Secretariat. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, dear Eric. I believe that we have indeed shared many moments of doubt with you and others. We’ve had breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon snacks, coffee breaks, lemonades and so many other moments. We’ve gone through difficult times together, but thanks to your commitment and determination, here we are. I thank Brazil for for their support in helping us get to where we are. Thank you. Iceland.
Iceland:
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for giving me the floor despite earlier issues. And thank you for your leadership in steering this ship to harbor. That is quite the feat. And we also want to extend our thanks to Tahar, the secretariat, your team, and everyone involved with this process. This convention has the potential to be a positive influence, both on a global and national level, and we sincerely hope it will fulfill its promise. It, of course, is the result of a compromise, as has been discussed extensively here today. There’s a saying that has been contributed to Otto von Bismarck that says that there are two things you should not know how are made, sausages and law. And perhaps that also applies to international law. Iceland compromised on issues like other member states. We would have liked stronger safeguards for women and vulnerable people in the context of cybercrime. We would have liked to see stronger human rights safeguards in general. But of course, as has been mentioned here, this is not a human rights treaty, it’s a criminal treaty. But it’s difficult to discuss crime without human rights. The connection between human rights and criminal, or response to criminal behavior, is clear. Iceland particularly celebrates Article 16. It is a great feat that we have, the international community has been able to recognize these violations that affect so many around the world. At the same time, we must highlight that Article, or the paragraph 16.6 does not establish a crime, and it solely refers to non-consensual behavior between consenting adults. We further, on a general note, think that rights and obligations are a good foundation for creating international standards, morals and emotion less so. Thank you very much to the interpreters that are superheroes in every single language. And then finally, just on a personal note, I would like to thank for the opportunity to participate in this process. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege. It’s not always been a lot of fun, but it’s been amazingly rewarding. It’s been valuable and it’s been inspiring to meet and to collaborate with such dedicated and talented people as this room is filled with. So merci beaucoup.
Chair:
Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much. Japan.
Japan:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, I would first like to express our deep gratitude to every one of you who has contributed to the adoption of the consensual text of the Cybercrime Convention. Amongst all of you, Madam Chair, and your team, especially Mr. Taha Modeb, my fellow members of the Bureau, including vice-chairs of Australia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Nigeria, and other coordinators and facilitators with whom I shared a collective responsibility of leading and facilitating discussions on chapters and important parts of the convention. Our appreciation also goes to members, every single member of the Secretariat for their invaluable assistance, interpreters for their professionalism, an excellent job, and technicians and the others, all the others who helped the reconvened concluding session function in many, many different ways. Madam Chair, it has been an honor for me to serve as a vice-chair under your abled leadership. I am convinced that without your guidance, we would never have been able to achieve what we achieved. Madam Chair, Japan expects that this convention would be a global legal basis for the international community in better countering and preventing cybercrime, while ensuring respect for human rights, protection from potential abuse of intrusive measures, in synergy with other relevant UN commitments. And international instruments, such as UNTAC, UNCAC, and Budapest Convention. In this regard, Madam Chair, the adoption of Cybercrime Convention and the rules and safeguards established thereby demonstrated the capacity of the international community to draw the clear lines or beat a minimum standard between what is possible for the purposes of law enforcement measures, prevention and international cooperation, and its combat against cybercrime, and what is not allowed for states, as well as their obligations. Madam Chair, Japan also commends the incorporation of gender-based perspectives to this convention, including the protection of people in vulnerable situations such as gender-based violence. It is an integral part of Japan’s foreign policy to try to widen the horizon of the internationally well-established notion of WPS, or Women, Peace, and Security to broader areas, including criminal justice. We expect that the adoption of the Cybercrime Convention will give a momentum to the common efforts of the UN member states in trying to protect and empower the vulnerable people, including women and children. Madam Chair, we also welcome the inclusion of the chapter on technical assistance and information sharing in this convention for the international community in countering cybercrime, which is committed beyond borders, in nature, and in fact, assistance to developing nations to fill the gaps in a diverse capacity of authorities is essential. The Government of Japan intends to contribute further in this respect as well, building on the momentum given by the adoption of the convention text, including through the UNODC. In many parts of the world. In conclusion, Madam Chair, I would like to reiterate again Japan’s determination, reflected, exemplified, in the hosting of the Kyoto Congress in 2021, to continue to cooperate together with other UN member states in the area of criminal justice. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Vice Chair of Japan. I was indeed truly impressed by your resistance, as well as your openness, and your ongoing commitment until the very last moment, you were always there to listen to my requests so that we could achieve consensus. Thank you very much for your commitment and your engagement. Your words were very important to the success of our work. I give the floor to Uganda, followed by Georgia, Kenya, the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Cote d’Ivoire, Fiji, Nepal, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Uganda has the floor.
Uganda:
Thank you, Madam Chair. To begin with, Uganda aligns with a statement made by South Africa on behalf of Africa Group. Uganda takes this opportunity to express gratitude to the Chair, Vice Chairs, the Secretariat. interpreters, coordinators, and distinguished delegates for the work done in the past few years towards conclusion and adoption of the coalition. Chair, your dedication and that of your team is admirable. The long hours of negotiations and discussions have helped this committee to reach this critical stage. Uganda observes that the fight against cybercrime is critical in the dispensation of criminal justice. Children remain vulnerable to cybercrime and particularly online abuse. Although the negotiation was largely a success, it’s unfortunate that consensus was not reached on these important and key articles concerning protection of children. However, Uganda appreciates the vote and will align with the vote where the need arises. Uganda expressed concerns about these articles in our statements. These concerns, in our opinion, increase vulnerability catalyzed by creating gaps in protection of children. Additionally, these particular provisions are against the domestic laws of Uganda. Given the current evolving nature of cyber – of crime, common minimum standards across borders are key if international cooperation is to be achieved. Combating cybercrime is, of course, largely not possible without deepening international cooperation, in this case, in cyberspace. This is because of the ever-increasing emerging cyber threats. A robust approach, therefore, towards combating cybercrime is very important domestically and internationally. International cooperation and mutual legal assistance are key players towards this achievement. Protection of rights of children continues to be important to the legal framework of Uganda. Again, Uganda remains committed to fighting crime, protecting children, promoting human rights in line with the relevant international instruments – international human rights instruments. Uganda thanks and congratulates the committee for conclusion and adoption of the convention. In a very special way, Uganda thanks the chair for steering the committee with authentic and impactful leadership. We look towards a crime-free and secure globe. This is, indeed, a significant milestone. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, Uganda, Georgia.
Georgia:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon, everyone. Let me start by congratulating you and the entire committee on the adoption of the convention. It is, indeed, an important milestone in our joint efforts against cybercrime. We have a reason to celebrate, as we have before us, the convention, which provides for powerful tools to fight against cybercrime and safeguards to ensure respect for fundamental human rights while exercising powers under the treaty. We regret that some accident initiatives to strengthen these safeguards further were not reflected in the final document. Nevertheless, we hope full compliance with human rights principles will remain the priority while implementing the convention. This is our last intervention in this committee. We would like to join many others in expressing our deep appreciations to you and your team for your tireless efforts and skilled diplomacy, without which we could not have achieved this outcome. We also extend our profound gratitude to the secretariat for their hard work and dedicated guidance. We would also like to thank all the delegates for their time, patience, and generous contributions throughout this two-year negotiations process. Lastly, our appreciations go to stakeholders whose expertise and insights greatly enriched discussions and the committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much. I wish to inform the members of the committee that the interpreters will stop working at 1.05 p.m. And as we still have our colleague from the Dominican Republic, who is the chair of the language consistency group, who must travel this afternoon and is to speak under other matters, I hope you agree that we give him the floor now so that he is able to travel home without undue pressure. I give the floor to the chair of the language consistency group. If there are no objections, you have the floor.
Language consistency group:
Thank you, Madam Chair, and sorry to have to do this outside of any other business point. I just wanted to inform the committee about the latest developments in the language consistency group. Yesterday, August 8, the members of the consistency group met to review the status of the draft convention as presented in document A-AC.291-L.15. The members have agreed that we will work during the next week to review the text and ensure that it is consistent across all languages. We will submit our recommendations to the Secretariat by 16 August at the latest so that the report can be finalized. As a result, the text in the post-session report will be of a convention that has been reviewed by all the members of the consistency group in all six UN official languages. I would like, Madam Chair, with your permission, to take this opportunity to thank all the consistency group members, the translators and editors team in Vienna, and especially Lloyd, Shoka, and Gilberto for all their hard work since the establishment of the group. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Chair:
Thank you very much, and through you, Distinguished Chair of the language consistency group, I thank the 18 other members and wish them all the best in finalizing their work. I have a request for the floor from Brazil.
Brazil:
Thank you very much, Madam Chair. This is a kind of point of order, even though it’s not a real point of order. But what we request, Madam Chair, is that you look around this room, look at these people here, and the whole Ad-Hoc Committee wanted to present you with something concrete to show our appreciation. And we wanted to do this now before some people would leave this room. And, Madam Chair, please, this is to show how this committee appreciates you and your work, and the work of Tahar. Please, receive these gifts as a remembrance of this time and of the efforts you made, the successes you achieved, and the work that we all had together. Thank you.
Chair:
Thank you.
Speakers
L
Language consistency group
Speech speed
163 words per minute
Speech length
198 words
Speech time
73 secs
A
Algeria
Speech speed
72 words per minute
Speech length
297 words
Speech time
248 secs
A
Angola
Speech speed
122 words per minute
Speech length
209 words
Speech time
103 secs
A
Armenia
Speech speed
182 words per minute
Speech length
255 words
Speech time
84 secs
A
Australia
Speech speed
188 words per minute
Speech length
490 words
Speech time
156 secs
B
Belarus
Speech speed
167 words per minute
Speech length
236 words
Speech time
85 secs
B
Brazil
Speech speed
144 words per minute
Speech length
452 words
Speech time
188 secs
BF
Burkina Faso
Speech speed
137 words per minute
Speech length
185 words
Speech time
81 secs
CV
Cabo Verde
Speech speed
131 words per minute
Speech length
351 words
Speech time
160 secs
C
Canada
Speech speed
144 words per minute
Speech length
527 words
Speech time
220 secs
CA
Central African Republic
Speech speed
110 words per minute
Speech length
204 words
Speech time
111 secs
C
Chair
Speech speed
123 words per minute
Speech length
2012 words
Speech time
979 secs
C
China
Speech speed
132 words per minute
Speech length
406 words
Speech time
185 secs
C
Colombia
Speech speed
122 words per minute
Speech length
295 words
Speech time
145 secs
CR
Costa Rica
Speech speed
115 words per minute
Speech length
533 words
Speech time
277 secs
E
Ecuador
Speech speed
136 words per minute
Speech length
450 words
Speech time
198 secs
EU
European Union
Speech speed
135 words per minute
Speech length
406 words
Speech time
181 secs
G
Georgia
Speech speed
142 words per minute
Speech length
227 words
Speech time
96 secs
I
Iceland
Speech speed
155 words per minute
Speech length
424 words
Speech time
165 secs
I
India
Speech speed
157 words per minute
Speech length
699 words
Speech time
266 secs
I
Indonesia
Speech speed
146 words per minute
Speech length
250 words
Speech time
103 secs
I
Iran
Speech speed
131 words per minute
Speech length
1689 words
Speech time
771 secs
I
Israel
Speech speed
158 words per minute
Speech length
478 words
Speech time
181 secs
J
Japan
Speech speed
133 words per minute
Speech length
587 words
Speech time
265 secs
L
Liechtenstein
Speech speed
131 words per minute
Speech length
420 words
Speech time
193 secs
M
Mexico
Speech speed
129 words per minute
Speech length
512 words
Speech time
237 secs
M
Morocco
Speech speed
129 words per minute
Speech length
455 words
Speech time
212 secs
N
Namibia
Speech speed
156 words per minute
Speech length
351 words
Speech time
135 secs
P
Panama
Speech speed
135 words per minute
Speech length
174 words
Speech time
78 secs
P
Paraguay
Speech speed
134 words per minute
Speech length
294 words
Speech time
131 secs
P
Peru
Speech speed
103 words per minute
Speech length
321 words
Speech time
187 secs
P
Philippines
Speech speed
157 words per minute
Speech length
281 words
Speech time
107 secs
RO
Republic of Korea
Speech speed
135 words per minute
Speech length
88 words
Speech time
39 secs
S
Senegal
Speech speed
107 words per minute
Speech length
362 words
Speech time
202 secs
SA
South Africa
Speech speed
142 words per minute
Speech length
197 words
Speech time
83 secs
SL
Sri Lanka
Speech speed
135 words per minute
Speech length
297 words
Speech time
132 secs
S
Sudan
Speech speed
108 words per minute
Speech length
315 words
Speech time
176 secs
S
Switzerland
Speech speed
125 words per minute
Speech length
248 words
Speech time
119 secs
S
Syria
Speech speed
138 words per minute
Speech length
468 words
Speech time
204 secs
ST
São Tomé and PrÃncipe
Speech speed
137 words per minute
Speech length
371 words
Speech time
162 secs
T
Tunisia
Speech speed
96 words per minute
Speech length
206 words
Speech time
129 secs
U
Uganda
Speech speed
151 words per minute
Speech length
382 words
Speech time
152 secs
UK
United Kingdom
Speech speed
142 words per minute
Speech length
449 words
Speech time
189 secs
US
United States
Speech speed
146 words per minute
Speech length
879 words
Speech time
361 secs
U
Uruguay
Speech speed
139 words per minute
Speech length
162 words
Speech time
70 secs
V
Venezuela
Speech speed
149 words per minute
Speech length
1066 words
Speech time
429 secs
Related event
Reconvened concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime Convention
29 Jul 2024 - 9 Aug 2024
New York