Thursday, 12th December 2024, Strasbourg, France
Papua New Guinea is the latest Pacific Islands Forum country to be invited to accede to the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cybercrime, commonly known as the Budapest Convention. PNG’s participation highlights its growing commitment to addressing issues of cybercrimes and advancing international cooperation.
A delegation led by Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mr. Steven Matainaho, attended the 31st Plenary Meeting of the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) held in Strasbourg, France, from December 10-12, 2024. This marked PNG’s first participation as an observer in the committee.
The delegation also included key representatives: Chief Censor Jim Abani, John Laule from the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Benjamin Howard from PNG Immigration & Citizen Services Authority, and Oala Moi from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).
Delivering a statement on December 11, Secretary Matainaho emphasized PNG’s progress toward accession and underscored the importance of the Budapest Convention in combating cybercrime. He expressed PNG’s gratitude to the Council of Europe for the opportunity to join global efforts to address cyber threats.
Recapping on the cyber issues faced by the country this year Secretary Matainaho gave an overview of the “Black Wednesday” incident. “On January 10 this year, Papua New Guinea experienced social unrest that was exacerbated by misinformation and disinformation on social media. The Papua New Guinea National Executive Council promptly issued the following direction that immediate and necessary steps be taken to ensure Papua New Guinea’s ratification and signing of a cybercrime convention for domestic enforcement.”
Mr. Matainaho highlighted PNG’s swift steps towards accession. “On January 30 this year, the State Solicitor of Papua New Guinea issued legal clearance for PNG to accede to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. In June this year, Papua New Guinea wrote to the Council of Europe conveying our request to be invited to accede to the Budapest Convention. The invitation was announced on 9 October this year, along with Malawi and Kenya.”
He reaffirmed the significance of the Convention in enhancing PNG’s cyber resilience. “The Budapest Convention is a pioneering framework for international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. By acceding to this Convention, we are confident that this process will empower Papua New Guinea to strengthen our legal frameworks and capacity.”
Mr. Matainaho further noted PNG’s readiness to align its domestic legislation with international standards.
“Based on the expert insights provided by the Council of Europe in 2019, we remain committed to refining the Cybercrime Code Act 2016 and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2005 to facilitate international cooperation for electronic evidence.
“Accession to and ratification of the Budapest Convention and its Protocols will also lead to a wholesale review of other related legislation so that Papua New Guinea is on par to implement the Budapest Convention at the domestic level.”
The Secretary concluded by outlining PNG’s next steps. “When we return home this weekend, we will commence the domestic procedure for ratification. We look forward to depositing Papua New Guinea’s instrument of accession.
“The Council of Europe has our sincere appreciation for inviting Papua New Guinea. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in the pursuit of a safer digital future.”
