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, follows capacity-building projects by the Council of Europe and increases the number of participating States to 76, along with support through GLACY-e and the Octopus Project.
On October 9, 2024, during the 1509th Meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies, it was announced that Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea have been invited to accede to the Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention. This invitation is applicable for a duration of five years. This step results from various capacity-building initiatives facilitated by the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC). Accepting this invitation will allow these nations to benefit from additional support through the GLACY-e and Octopus projects. With the inclusion of Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea, the total count of participating States now stands at 76, with two others having signed the Convention and 18 invited to join. Thus, the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) is composed of 96 member States, comprising Parties and observers. This expands the collaborative efforts to combat cybercrime globally, providing a structured framework for legal cooperation in this critical domain.
The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, established by the Council of Europe, serves as a pivotal international treaty aimed at addressing cybercrime and related offenses. It facilitates the international exchange of information and evidence and promotes harmonized legislation among its Parties. The Convention is significant because it creates a legal foundation for cooperation among member States to effectively combat cybercrime, which is increasingly prevalent in the digital age. The involvement of countries such as Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea underscores the growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts in tackling cyber threats and enhancing cybersecurity measures.
The invitation extended to Kenya, Malawi, and Papua New Guinea to join the Budapest Convention marks a significant advancement in the global initiative to combat cybercrime. With these countries’ accession, the total number of Parties to the Convention will rise, promoting a more unified international approach to cybersecurity. The support provided through the Council of Europe’s projects will further enhance the capacity of these nations to address cyber challenges effectively.
Original Source: www.coe.int
