United Nations Convention against Cybercrime

Signing Ceremony & High-Level Conference

Hanoi, 25–26 October 2025

Statement of the Minister of Justice of the Czech Republic

Ms. Eva Decroix

Dear Mr. President,

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a true honour to stand before you today and deliver this statement on behalf of the Czech Republic. First and foremost, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the excellent organisation of this Signing Ceremony. Thank you.

Reaching this milestone has required a long and challenging journey. The negotiations were complex, and we commend all delegations and experts who participated tirelessly in the drafting process, ultimately shaping the Convention we are signing today.

This achievement reflects the shared commitment of all members of the UN to address the global threat posed by cybercrime through joint action. It shows our collective determination and growing recognition of the serious risks that cybercrime presents to our societies, and the urgent need for coordinated international responses.

This Convention marks a significant advancement in strengthening international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. While the Budapest Convention of the Council of Europe remains an important instrument for us, we recognise the added value and global reach of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime as a crucial next step.

We have witnessed how existing UN conventions, such as those developed under UNODC, have enhanced cooperation in combating corruption and transnational organised crime. It is now time to extend this collaborative spirit to the domain of cybercrime.

If I may highlight one provision of particular importance for us and all members of the European Union, it would be Article 6 – Respect for human rights. This article affirms that nothing in the Convention shall be interpreted as permitting the suppression of human rights or fundamental freedoms. These safeguards are essential to maintaining the delicate balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual liberties. Our country has consistently championed the protection and promotion of human rights and remains firmly committed to ensuring that all measures taken under this Convention are implemented in full respect of these fundamental principles.

The Czech Republic has been actively and constructively engaged from the very beginning of the negotiation process, contributing to the development of the Convention with dedication and expertise. We take pride in having participated in all stages of the preparatory work and substantive discussions, and we remain fully committed to supporting the effective implementation of the Convention. Looking ahead, we stand ready to continue our engagement and contribute meaningfully to the future work of the Conference of States Parties, with the shared goal of fostering robust international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.

Thank you for your kind attention.