STUDY PEACE AND SECURITY FUNCTION BEFORE FORM Optimising the UN’s counter-terrorism architecture Larry Attree September 2022 • Despite its potential to help reduce terror threats and their causes, the UN’s current counter-terrorism architecture is marred by weak performance management, lack of oversight, and neglect for prevention and human rights. • In spite of these shortcomings, the UN’s Office of Counter-­Terrorism(UNOCT) wants a seven-fold budget increase, which could mean cutting other, better-performing UN entities and programmes. • UN Member States and leaders should reject the proposed budget increase and demand better performance, proper risk management and a balanced focus on prevention and human rights in all UN counter-­terrorism work.