United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime Signing Ceremony & High-level
Conference
Ha Noi, 25-26/10
National Statement by Brazil
Mr. President of Vietnam, Lương Cường,
Mr. Secretary-General, António Guterres,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Representatives of the Member States gathered here,
Firstly, allow me to thank the Government of Vietnam for its hospitality and for hosting this ceremony.

It is with great honor that, on behalf of Brazil, I take part in this momentous occasion: the signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

This moment is historic because it marks the adoption of the first comprehensive global treaty in this area – and the first UN convention on criminal matters in more than two decades.

It is also historic given the broader context in which it takes place – notably the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

Just over a month ago, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated, during the opening of the UN General Assembly, that multilateralism stands at a new crossroads, and that the authority of the United Nations is under scrutiny.

Despite these challenges, in an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world, multilateralism is more necessary than ever.

Negotiated in a truly multilateral setting and with multi stakeholder participation, the Convention we sign today represents a concrete and collective response to a shared global challenge.

A challenge that has grown exponentially in recent years. It knows no borders and affects everyone. It can target companies of all sizes, public institutions, NGOs, and individuals — especially women and children.

A challenge that requires an effective, coordinated international response, and a universal legal framework — which this Convention seeks to provide. Brazil spared no effort in supporting its adoption. Back in 2010, when we hosted the 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, we endorsed the development of a comprehensive study aimed at proposing new international legal responses to cybercrime.

Brazil also had the honor of serving as one of the Vice-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Committee responsible for negotiating the Convention.

This active engagement reflects not only Brazil’s long-standing commitment to strengthening multilateralism and international law, but also a concrete demand for international cooperation voiced by our own law enforcement authorities.

This Convention fills a critical gap. It offers essential tools for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in combating cybercrime.

Beyond those tools, the Convention incorporates robust safeguards for human rights and fundamental freedoms — matters of paramount importance to Brazil. Particularly because of its strong provisions targeting child sexual abuse and related offenses and the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images – a crime which counts women as its main victims, it will actually be an important tool to promote and protect the rights of those individuals and many others who have lives negatively impacted by cybercrime.

The negotiation process leading to this Convention ensured the effective participation of countries from the Global South and included provisions on capacity-building — a vital element in bridging the digital divide.

We are firmly convinced that the internet cannot be a lawless space.

We have undertaken significant efforts, both internationally and domestically, to prevent and combat criminal activity in the digital environment, while safeguarding the right to privacy and fundamental freedoms.

We are active participants in other UN conventions on criminal matters, such as the UNTOC and UNCAC.

We also engage in international initiatives to address cybercrime — including through INTERPOL, whose Secretary General, for the first time, is a Brazilian Federal Police Commissioner.

We actively share information and exchange best practices with our international partners in the fight against malicious activities in cyberspace. Combating cybercrime is also a top domestic priority. In 2023, Brazil established the Cybercrime Directorate within the Federal Police, focusing on high-tech crimes, online banking fraud, and, above all, the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents on the internet.

Just a month ago, Brazil adopted one of the world’s most advanced laws for the protection of children and adolescents in the digital sphere.

This new legislation adds to a broader legal framework that addresses cybercrime and the protection of personal data, forming a solid foundation for digital governance in Brazil. Brazil remains fully committed to working toward the swift entry into force of this Convention.

Through our continued participation in the Ad Hoc Committee, we will promote equitable, inclusive, transparent, and effective engagement of all relevant parties in the implementation of the Convention.

Thank you.