Vietnam invites AALCO states to sign UN Convention against Cybercrime

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📍  Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala
🗓️ September 8-12
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Vietnam has invited all the member states of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) to the signing ceremony of the historic UN Convention against Cybercrime this October.

It is an invitation to collectively "take a historic step towards a safer, fairer, and rule-based digital future".

This first-ever global instrument on cybercrime was unanimously adopted on December 24, 2024 by the United Nations General Assembly.

It is aimed at bolstering international co-operation in battling certain crimes committed through information and communication technology systems and in the sharing of electronic evidence of serious crimes.

Vietnam, a member of AALCO since 2017, was picked as the host country for the signing ceremony of the convention set for October 25-26 this year.

The event, which will take place in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, will be presided over by host President Luong Cuong. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is expected to take part.

A discussion on the event was held on the second day of the 63rd Annual Session of AALCO in Uganda's capital Kampala. It was dubbed: 'The Road to Hanoi — Opening for Signature of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime'.

"For Vietnam, hosting this event is not only a great honour, but also a profound responsibility," said Vietnam's Foreign Vice-Minister Le Anh Tuan (pictured below).

'No country left behind'

Uganda, which assumed the presidency of AALCO from the Kingdom of Thailand on the opening day, was a co-organiser of the Road to Hanoi session — alongside Vietnam, China, Russia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Tuan said this convention is even more significant for developing countries.

"It provides measures for co-operation, technical assistance, and capacity building, helping to bridge gaps and ensuring that no country is left behind in the collective fight against cybercrime."

He said that in contexts where resources, legal frameworks, and enforcement capacity remain limited, participation in the convention will mean not only receiving support and co-operation, but also contributing to a global consensus: that cyberspace must be governed by law, trust, and co-operation.

The UN says the complex nature of cybercrime as an evolving form of transnational crime "is compounded by the increasing involvement of organised crime groups".

"Perpetrators of cybercrime and their victims can be located in different regions, and its effects can ripple through societies around the world, highlighting the need to mount an urgent, dynamic, and international response," it adds.

Typically, when a UN convention is adopted, it does not become binding until states sign and ratify it through their national legal processes.

When a state signs and then ratifies a convention, it means it has formally expressed its consent to be bound by that very instrument.

Once a sufficient number of states have signed and ratified the convention, it becomes a legally binding international treaty. Signatory governments are obligated to uphold its provisions.

'Road of solidarity'

Vietnam, which expressed its commitment to providing a comprehensive, safe, and inclusive forum, said it is working closely with UNODC to apply the finishing touches on the preparations for the October occasion.

Tuan said nearly 60 countries have already confirmed participation at the ministerial level or higher at the signing ceremony.

"The Road to Hanoi is a road of solidarity. Each signature in Hanoi will not only bring the convention closer to entry into force, but also send a strong message that the international community stands united against the threat of cybercrime," he added.

Established nearly seven decades ago following the historic Bandung Conference of 1955, AALCO is an intergovernmental organization that serves as an advisory body to its member states on matters of international law.

It seeks to articulate the shared legal perspectives of Asia and Africa on the global stage.

The organisation promotes international legal co-operation and provides a platform for member states to discuss and influence developments in international law, such as the law of the sea, climate change, cyber security, international trade law, peace and security, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Vietnam's Foreign Vice-Minister said the signing ceremony in Hanoi is "a true embodiment" of the spirit of the 1955 Bandung Conference. 

"Together, Asia and Africa can help shape a stronger and fairer global response to cybercrime."

The 63rd AALCO session got under way on Monday at Speke Resort Munyonyo on the shores of Lake Victoria — opened by the Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, Anita Annet Among.

The conference, which Uganda is hosting for a second time, is running until Friday (September 12).

It has drawn justice ministers, legal advisers, international law experts, and representatives from international organisations to deliberate on key issues of international law.

Tuesday's (day two) agenda had member states present general statements. A report was also presented on matters related to the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) at its 76th Session.