Speech to be delivered by Chief of Delegation of Uruguay,

Ambassador of Uruguay to Vietnam

H.E. Raul Pollak Giampietro

Excellencies,

Cybercrime, and its devastating impact on millions of people around the world, stands among the gravest consequences of technological advancement.   It destroys the lives of individuals, families and communities alike, as criminals, shielded by the shadows of anonymity, deceive innocent victims, -often those belonging to vulnerable groups-, and perpetrate unimaginable atrocities.

Although numerous countries have developed instruments to confront these threats, a more effective and comprehensive global response was imperative.

The Hanoi Convention thus represents an unprecedented milestone in international cooperation against a threat that knows no borders.  Indeed, cybercrime, in all its forms, in all its manifestations, poses growing challenges to digital sovereignty, individual safety, and public trust in technology.  Online child exploitation and sexual abuse stand among the dreadful and excruciating manifestations of cybercrime.

Uruguay has been an active participant throughout the negotiation of the Convention.  By signing this landmark instrument, my country reaffirms its steadfast support to multilateralism, and its unwavering commitment to the strengthening of the international Rule of Law, and its dedication to enhanced cooperation in this vital domain.  Uruguay also envisions the Convention, as an opportunity to update its legal framework and investigative protocols, ensuring that they are adapted to emerging forms of criminality.

Uruguay trusts that this marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation, -one in which every nation, regardless of its size or level of development, may contribute to the building of a digital ecosystem that is safer, fairer, more equitable, and profoundly more human.

I thank you