Papua New Guinea Endorses the Draft United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime
Media Statement – 11th August 2024
The rest of the world is staring at a new international legal regime in the fight against cybercrime after the reconvened concluding session of the United Nations Ad Hoc Committee (AHC) meeting in New York on 8 August 2024 reached agreement on the Draft United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime; strengthening international cooperation for combating certain crimes committed by means information and communications technology systems and for the sharing of evidence in electronic form of serious crimes.
The draft text of the treaty will soon be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for formal adoption.
Reaching agreement on this complex matter is an important achievement as an initial attempt earlier this year fell through.
In this regard, the Government of Papua New Guinea, through the Ministry for Information and Communications Technology, is pleased to announce its strong support for the draft convention.
The convention, finalized during the reconvened concluding session held in New York from July 29 to August 9, 2024, marks a significant international milestone in the fight against cybercrime.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu MP, emphasized the importance of this convention for Papua New Guinea and the global community.
"Agreement on the draft text of the convention by the Ad Hoc Committee, which Papua New Guinea is a part of, represents a crucial step forward in enhancing the global fight against cybercrime. For Papua New Guinea, this convention will provide a unified framework that will not only strengthen our national laws but also enable us to cooperate more effectively with other nations in combating the growing threat of cybercrime," Minister Masiu stated.
The convention outlines several key objectives, including the strengthening of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, the facilitation of timely and lawful collection and sharing of electronic evidence, and the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for member states.
These objectives align closely with Papua New Guinea's commitment to enhancing its capabilities and safeguarding its citizens, businesses and digital infrastructure.
Minister Masiu also highlighted the importance of supporting developing nations such as Papua New Guinea in implementing the convention's provisions.
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"As we work towards ratifying this convention, Papua New Guinea recognizes the need to focus on developing countries and in building their capacity to prevent and respond to cybercrimes effectively. Not only could Papua New Guinea be a recipient of capacity building initiatives, we are committed to contributing to these efforts and ensuring that all nations can benefit from the protections offered by this convention."
As the convention makes its way to the General Assembly with a draft resolution for adoption and after it is opened for signing, the Government of Papua New Guinea will take the necessary steps to ratify the convention and align its domestic laws, including the Cybercrime Code Act 2016, with the convention's provisions.
This will include close collaboration with multilateral and bilateral and civil society partners to ensure effective implementation and participation in global initiatives.
Minister Masiu reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's commitment to the global fight against cybercrime.
"By endorsing and implementing this convention, Papua New Guinea is taking a decisive stand to protect our citizens and our digital future. We are proud to be part of this landmark international effort and will continue to work closely with our global partners to enhance cybersecurity for all."
Minister Masiu acknowledged the work of the PNG delegation led by the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Fred Sarufa and staff at the Kundu New York Mission. From the capital, NICTA Chief Legal Officer Oala Moi joined the PNG delegation.
The PNG delegation was ably supported from the nation’s capital by staff from the Office of State Solicitor.
Authorized for release by:
HON. TIMOTHY MASIU, MP, Minister for Information & Communication Technology and Member for South Bougainville
Member- Appeals Tribunal for ICCC and NICTA
5moThanks to H. E. Amb Sarufa in advancing PNG's cause at the UN level. The speed of innovations in ICT globally, especially with the advent of AI has superceded PNG's ability to harness it's virtues and to avert it's abuses. We need assistance from those with capacity to combat cybercrime. Endorsing the draft UN Convention Against Cybercrime will allow us to collaborate with those with capacity to combat cybercrime.