UNGA adopts milestone treaty against cybercrime

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, a landmark global treaty in bolstering international cooperation in the fight against such crimes.

It has been the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated among UN member states in over 20 years.

The legally binding convention acknowledges the significant risks posed by the misuse of information and communications technologies, which enable criminal activities on an unprecedented scale, speed, and scope.

It highlights the adverse impacts such crimes can have on states, enterprises, and the well-being of individuals and society, and focuses on protecting them from offenses such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling and online financial crimes.

The document also recognizes the growing impact of cybercrime on victims and prioritizes justice, especially for vulnerable groups. It underscores the need for technical assistance, capacity-building and collaboration among states and other stakeholders.

According to a UN press release, the convention will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam, next year, and enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.

UNGA adopts milestone treaty against cybercrime

Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, granted letters of appointment to members of the sixth-term Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Basic Law Committee of the NPC Standing Committee on Wednesday in Beijing.

The name list of the members was adopted at the 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded earlier on Wednesday.

Led by Director Shen Chunyao, the 10-member committee, consisting of five members from the mainland and five from Macao, will serve a five-year term.

The ceremony of appointment letters granting was presided over by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

China's top legislator grants appointment letters to members of NPC's Macao Basic Law committee