• Mexico took part in the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week, held in New York from June 26 to July 2, 2026
• Foreign Ministry Legal Adviser Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga called for addressing the structural causes of violence, incorporating a gender perspective, and respecting international law

Mexico took part today in the plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly dedicated to the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, held as part of Counter-Terrorism Week.

In his remarks, Foreign Ministry Legal Adviser Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga reiterated Mexico's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. He stressed the importance of moving toward a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, with a common definition that would strengthen cooperation between countries and prevent selective application. He also underscored that effective prevention requires addressing the root causes that fuel violence, such as poverty, inequality, social exclusion, and the lack of decent jobs and educational opportunities.

He further emphasized the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into prevention policies, calling in particular for an examination of the patriarchal stereotypes and models of masculinity that normalize the use of force, aggression, or violent conflict resolution-patterns that can be exploited by terrorist groups and violent extremists.

Mexico also stressed that all counter-terrorism measures must comply with international law, including human rights and, where applicable, international humanitarian law. It reiterated that sanctions must not obstruct humanitarian assistance or criminalize the legitimate activities of humanitarian personnel.

The legal adviser led the Mexican delegation to the Fourth United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, where he warned of the expanding terrorist threat. He highlighted the need to strengthen state capacities and international cooperation, and voiced particular concern over the radicalization and recruitment of children and adolescents through digital means. He also called for an examination of the risks posed by the use of new technologies in counter-terrorism efforts.

During the conference, he took part in an event on "The Abuse of Counter-Terrorism Measures to Combat Drugs and Other Forms of Organized Crime," where he warned of the risks of using counter-terrorism laws to prosecute ordinary crimes, noting that doing so can weaken due-process guarantees, affect fundamental rights, and lead to violations of state sovereignty. He also pointed out that terrorism and transnational organized crime are distinct phenomena, each with its own causes, dynamics, and legal frameworks, and that conflating the two can lead to inadequate responses and the use of exceptional measures at odds with the rule of law.

Through its participation, Mexico reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, shared responsibility, respect for sovereignty, and the protection of human rights.