Hanoi: The Kingdom of Morocco has officially signed a United Nations treaty on cybercrime, with Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi representing the nation at the event. The convention, adopted last December by the UN General Assembly, is set to come into force 90 days following its ratification by Member States.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ouahbi described the signing as a “historic moment” and a “symbolic milestone in UN action over the decade.” He noted that this marks a significant step in combating new forms of criminality and serves as a model of international cooperation. The minister emphasized that while the digital revolution has integrated the Internet into daily life, it has also enabled the swift growth of cyber offenses that threaten political and economic stability.

Ouahbi highlighted Morocco’s active involvement in drafting the treaty, from the creation of the intergovernmental committee by UN General Assembly Resolution 75/282 to its participation in all negotiation stages leading to the final text. He noted the complexities involved in reaching a consensus given the current geopolitical climate, but underscored the shared understanding of cybercrime that the treaty represents.

The minister also addressed the rising global cyber threats impacting societies on multiple levels. He pointed out the regional resurgence of extremist groups using digital platforms for violence and terrorism, stressing the importance of cybersecurity in protecting individuals and maintaining global stability. Morocco, he recalled, has long been committed to enhancing cybersecurity through national laws and strategies aimed at developing its digital economy and protecting its citizens.

Ouahbi emphasized the importance of international cooperation to improve access to digital evidence, a major challenge for states. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to collaborating with international partners for the convention’s effective implementation. Initially proposed by Russia in 2017, the convention was adopted last year after extensive negotiations and stands as the first international legal framework focused on combating cybercrime.