Vietnam: Wahbi Signs the UN International Treaty to Combat Cybercrime
In the presence of United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, Mr. Abdellatif Wahbi, Minister of Justice, represented the Kingdom of Morocco this Saturday, October 25, 2025, signing the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime during an international conference on the subject. The UN General Assembly adopted this convention last December, and it is scheduled to enter into force 90 days after ratification by the member states.
Here is the text of Morocco’s speech delivered by the Minister of Justice:
Speech of the Minister of Justice on the Occasion of the Signing of the UN Convention on Cybercrime
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of messengers and upon his family and companions.
Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Mr. President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency President Phạm Minh Chính,
Honorable ministers and esteemed ambassadors,
It is with great pride and honor that we witness today this significant event, bringing together a group of leaders and decision-makers from around the world in a meeting that can be described as a historical milestone in the United Nations’ agenda for this decade. Today, we stand at a turning point in combating modern crime, representing an ideal embodiment of international cooperation to address and curb these crimes.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and utmost appreciation to His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the President and its people, for their warm hospitality. I must also commend the strong bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Vietnam, which exemplify balanced cooperation shaped by a shared vision, especially regarding judicial collaboration and the fight against various forms of crime.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The internet has become an essential player in our societies, and recently it has accelerated the spread of crimes and their scope, linking criminal acts and individual behaviors to various forms of virtual practices within the immaterial framework of this network. Crimes affecting data and digital information no longer just harm individuals but also aim to affect states, whether politically or economically.
In light of this accelerating evolution of crime, global dynamics have developed, seeking to provide digital security and protect automated data processing systems. The degrees of these dynamics have varied, from national initiatives through establishing deterrent national laws to regional initiatives, such as the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Crimes or the Budapest Convention with its additional protocols.
Ladies and gentlemen,
With the expansion of cybercrime, the world needs an international mechanism that represents consensus among all states, which could serve as a global reference for combating cybercrime. For this purpose, this convention has been drafted.
Since the agreement to establish an open-ended governmental expert committee, representing all countries to participate in drafting this document under General Assembly resolution 75/282, the Kingdom of Morocco has engaged in this important process, from participating in drafting the unified negotiating document to preparing the first version of the convention. The Kingdom’s active participation alongside other countries, in both the general sessions and through informal meetings, has contributed to shaping the final version of this convention.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Reaching an international agreement on combating cybercrime has not been an easy matter, especially in the current global context, as the preparation process for this convention witnessed many political and technical tensions. It was essential for all participating states in the negotiations to demonstrate considerable flexibility and an open spirit, principles reflected in the convention, which today embodies a mirror of the mutual understanding of crimes committed in cyberspace and stands as a banner for judicial and technical cooperation among states in this area.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Given the rising threats posed by cybercrimes globally and the severe repercussions affecting the social, economic, and psychological fabric of communities, and considering the regional environment surrounding the Kingdom of Morocco, which experiences an increase in the activities of extremist groups promoting violence and terrorism—who have made the cyber realm a means to spread their destructive ideas and incite hatred and bloodshed—there arises a greater imperative than ever to enhance cybersecurity as a foundation for protecting individuals, communities, and ensuring stability.
The Kingdom of Morocco has long engaged in the global effort to combat cybercrime, establishing a set of legal frameworks and strategies aimed at creating a conducive environment for digital economy growth and facilitating individuals’ access to technology on one hand, while also establishing modern and effective institutional and legal frameworks to address information crimes. This includes promulgating a specific cybersecurity law and updating other related legislations, notably the penal code and the criminal procedure law.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Accessing digital evidence has become a challenge for all states, and it is essential for us to coordinate efforts, move beyond traditional methods of criminal investigations, and open the door to more effective and flexible international cooperation.
In this context, I can express our enthusiasm for exploring a new dimension of judicial cooperation through the mechanisms outlined in this convention. We all hope to mitigate the information crimes that have become a concern for our citizens, and therefore, we call for everyone’s collaborative efforts to work on the effective implementation of the provisions of this convention and develop its procedural mechanisms. The Kingdom of Morocco will remain committed to achieving these goals, reaffirming its full readiness to cooperate with other countries to ensure cybersecurity for all member states.
Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
