The UN’s current counter-terrorism architecture is marred by lack of oversight and neglect for prevention and human rights. Yet the UN’s Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) wants a seven-fold budget increase, which would likely be at the expense of other, better-performing UN entities and programmes. This study explains why UN Member States and leaders should reject the proposed budget increase and makes suggestions to improve performance, risk management and a balanced focus on prevention and human rights in all UN counter-terrorism work.