Jason Mack
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
February 24, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam Chair.
It has been a long night and a sobering morning for many of us. And so, I take this opportunity to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support and commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders.
The United States has been clear within the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime process that we are committed to engaging in good faith with other Member States and stakeholders towards an international mechanism that provides an effective and rights-respecting tool for global cooperation to combat cybercrime.
But entering into negotiations towards a legally binding treaty requires a degree of confidence that other parties are committed to an adherence to international law.
Unfortunately, as Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored in the Security Council last evening, “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is tantamount to an attack on the UN.” And Russia’s widespread, malicious cyber activities in support of mounting its military offensive cannot be ignored.
The United States remains committed to the Ad Hoc Committee process and working with other Member States and stakeholders towards a broadly acceptable cybercrime treaty. The UN process is important at this time precisely because of the behavior of Russia. Nations need to unite to fight cybercrime.
We call on Russia to cease its aggression against Ukraine and adhere to its commitment to international law.
The United States regrets that Russia’s actions have marred what was supposed to be the start of a process we all seek to move forward together.
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