Vanuatu has officially joined the Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention—becoming one of 80 countries worldwide committed to strengthening laws, cooperation, and capabilities to fight cybercrime.

On 5 June 2025, Vanuatu deposited its instrument of accession during a treaty event held in Strasbourg, France, in the presence of Council of Europe officials at the 32nd Plenary of the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) and the Octopus Conference 2025.

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Why This Matters for Vanuatu

With more digital services, financial systems, and public records moving online, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it’s a national need. By joining the Budapest Convention, Vanuatu gains access to:

• A global legal framework for defining and prosecuting cybercrimes
• Technical cooperation and capacity-building support
• Cross-border evidence sharing procedures that help investigate international digital crimes

This move ensures that Vanuatu’s laws are aligned with international best practices—strengthening our ability to combat threats like hacking, ransomware, online fraud, child exploitation, identity theft, and fake news campaigns.

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Part of a Bigger Picture

Vanuatu’s accession happened alongside that of Sao Tome and Principe, while Malta ratified the Convention’s First Protocol (addressing racism and xenophobia online) and Fiji signed the Second Protocol, aimed at boosting cooperation on electronic evidence.

As of this month:

• 80 States are Parties to the main Convention (ETS No. 185)
• 38 States are Parties to the First Protocol (ETS No. 189)
• 50 States have signed the Second Protocol (CETS No. 224)

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What Leaders Are Saying

The accession was acknowledged during the Octopus Conference by senior Council of Europe officials, including Jörg Polakiewicz, Director of Legal Advice and Public International Law.

Although no official statement has yet been released from Vanuatu’s Ministry of Justice, digital governance advocates say this signals Vanuatu’s increased readiness to address modern threats and protect its people in the digital era.

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What’s Next for Vanuatu?

Now that Vanuatu is a Party to the Convention, local authorities must:

• Update and harmonize cybercrime laws
• Train police, judges, and prosecutors on digital investigations
• Collaborate with foreign partners on cyber investigations and data access

This is also an opportunity for Vanuatu to push forward its National Cybersecurity Strategy and build institutional capacity, including with assistance from international partners like Australia, the EU, and the Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILON).

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Conclusion

Joining the Budapest Convention is a landmark step for digital trust and public safety in Vanuatu. It demonstrates that even small island nations are serious about keeping up with global legal standards, protecting citizens’ data, and fostering a safe digital environment.

In an age of increasing digital risk, this is not just a diplomatic formality—it’s a practical step forward for the country.