The rapid expansion of internet access and mobile technology in PNG and the Pacific has led to increased connectivity but also opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit digital weaknesses.
Cybercrime, including financial fraud, online extortion, cyberbullying, and harassment, poses significant risks to individuals and organizations in the region, causing financial and psychological harm.
Limited or outdated legislation addressing cybercrime in many Pacific countries, including PNG, makes it difficult to investigate and prosecute offenders.
Additionally, there is a lack of technical expertise and awareness among law enforcement agencies and the general public. Strengthening capacity-building initiatives and promoting cybersecurity awareness are crucial for improving cybersecurity measures in PNG and the Pacific.
As such, a delegation from Papua New Guinea (PNG) has joined representatives from other United Nations (UN) Member States in New York for the final session of the UN Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime.
The meeting which began on January 29, 2024, and ends on February 9, 2024, aims to finalize a comprehensive international convention to combat the misuse of information and communications technologies (ICT) for criminal purposes.
The PNG delegation, led by Mr. Fred Sarufa, Acting Head of Mission and Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Papua New Guinea to the UN, includes four members accompanied by staff from the PNG Permanent Mission.
Mr. Oala Moi, Principal Legal Counsel of the PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is providing technical advisory support due to DICT’s expertise in policy and legal matters related to the country’s ICT sector.
The Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Her Excellency Ms. Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki, Ambassador of Algeria to the UN in Vienna, Austria, is tasked with delivering an instrument to the UN General Assembly to aid Member States in countering cybercrime effectively.
The proposed convention addresses emerging cyber threats and aims to enhance coordination and cooperation among UN Member States. It also seeks to provide technical assistance to developing countries in improving their national legislation and frameworks to combat cybercrime.
If consensus is reached on the final text by February 9, 2024, the convention will be submitted to the UN General Assembly for adoption later this year.
For PNG, the convention holds significant implications, aligning with its national development priorities outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
The country has existing cybercrime policies in place and is considering acceding to international conventions such as the Budapest Convention.
Relevant authorities in PNG will assess the merits of both the Budapest Convention and the proposed UN convention before making recommendations to the PNG Cabinet for a final decision on signing and ratifying either or both conventions.
