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Mr Michael RUBBESTAD

Speeches since 2019

22/04/2026 | 17:24:23 Thank you, Madam President. I want to begin by stating clearly, I fully support the universal abolition of the death penalty, in all circumstances and in all countries. There can be no compromise on the value of human dignity, the right to life and the fundamental principles that unite us in this Assembly. But if we want to succeed, not only in this room, but across the world, we must also address a difficult reality. In many societies, support for the death penalty does not come from cruelty... 22/04/2026 | 10:59:20 Thank you, Mister President. Let me begin by thanking the rapporteur, Ms Zita GURMAI, for a thorough and important report. Violence against women and domestic violence are serious issues that all of us have a responsibility to address, regardless of political affiliation or national context. There is much in this report that I agree with, in particular the need to strengthen protection for victims, improve judicial processes, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. In these areas... 29/01/2026 | 17:31:31 Mr President, The draft resolution we are discussing today has serious weaknesses, especially because of its very broad definition of conversion practices. The term is used to cover almost any action related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This risks blurring the line between coercion and support, between abuse and conversation and between violence and professional guidance. The resolution does not answer a key question: how are legitimate non-coercive therapy, parental guidance and... 08/04/2025 | 19:48:32 Mister President, Esteemed colleagues, This report gives a one-sided view. It presents border control and immigration law enforcement as threats to human rights, while mostly ignoring the huge pressure irregular migration puts on our societies, on our legal systems, and public trust in democratic governance. Yes, collective expulsions are banned under international law, and rightly so, when done without distinction. But we must not mix up lawful and necessary border protection with illegal...