Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea Invited to Join the Cybercrime Convention

On October 9, 2024, Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea were invited to join the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) during the 1509th Ministers’ Deputies meeting. This invitation, valid for five years, is a result of various capacity-building initiatives by the Council of Europe and will enhance support through the GLACY-e and Octopus Project. Following this, the total number of participating States reaches 96.

On October 9, 2024, during the 1509th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies, Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea received an invitation to accede to the Convention on Cybercrime, commonly referred to as the Budapest Convention. This invitation, valid for five years from the date of adoption, stems from ongoing capacity-building initiatives facilitated by the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC). By joining this Convention, these nations will gain access to further support from the Council of Europe under the GLACY-e and Octopus Project initiatives.

With the inclusion of these three nations, the total number of States that are Parties to the Convention has reached 76, with an additional two having signed it and eighteen others invited to join. Consequently, the total number of States participating in either the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) as Parties or observers stands at 96, highlighting a growing international commitment to combating cybercrime.

The Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention, was established to facilitate international cooperation in combating cybercrime and enhancing the capacity of States to address such offenses. It includes provisions that guide legislation, improve enforcement, and foster collaboration among signatory nations. The involvement of the Council of Europe notably strengthens these efforts through programs such as GLACY-e and the Octopus Project, which focus on building capacity and promoting best practices in dealing with cybercrime.

In conclusion, the invitations extended to Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea to accede to the Budapest Convention mark a significant milestone in global efforts to unify responses to cybercrime. The collaboration among these nations and the Council of Europe underscores a collective commitment to strengthen cyber resilience and security. The continuous growth in the number of Parties and observers to this convention reflects an essential step toward an international framework for addressing the complexities of cybercrime.

Original Source: www.coe.int