human-rights – Wissam Charafeddine

Article 2: Equality

July 8, 2025 WLeave a comment

By Wissam Charafeddine
From the book Universal Declaration of Human Values — now available on Amazon

Community Spotlight: Article 2 – The Principle of Equality
From the Universal Declaration of Human Values by Wissam Charafeddine

Throughout history, humanity’s understanding of equality has been shaped by both struggle and revelation. While ancient societies often accepted hierarchy as natural, the idea that all human beings are equal began to take root during the Axial Age, around 800–200 BCE, when spiritual and philosophical traditions in Greece, India, China, and the Middle East began advocating for universal moral values. It later gained momentum during the Enlightenment, when thinkers like Rousseau, Locke, and Kant championed natural rights. These ideals blossomed in documents such as the American Declaration of Independence (1776), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), and ultimately the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), each building on the growing belief that no person is born superior to another.

As Langston Hughes once wrote:
“O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.”

In our diverse Livonia community and beyond, the principle of equality remains a cornerstone of justice and human dignity. Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Values reminds us that all individuals deserve equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, social status, religious belief, or family background. This isn’t just a moral idea—it’s a call to action to create a society where opportunity, protection, and respect are shared by all.

This principle is deeply rooted in historical struggles and global progress—from the civil rights and feminist movements to modern LGBTQ+ advocacy. Legal protections like anti-discrimination laws and international human rights declarations were hard-won through generations of effort, and they continue to shape our communities today. Livonia thrives when we uphold these values—fostering inclusion, fairness, and mutual respect in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

By embracing equality as a guiding principle, we honor the legacy of those who fought for justice and build a stronger, more compassionate future for all. Article 2 is more than policy—it’s a reflection of who we are and the kind of community we aspire to be.

Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 1: Freedom

June 6, 2025 WLeave a comment

Written and shared with Musings readers by Livonia resident and author Wissam Charafeddine
As an Arab American activist, author, and educator dedicated to the values of human dignity, justice, and enlightenment, I have long been fascinated by the evolution of human rights across civilizations. Our modern understanding of freedom, equality, and human dignity did not arise overnight; it is the result of centuries of thought, struggle, and legal progress from various cultures, traditions, and revolutions.

A declaration is not merely a set of words on paper; when embraced by people, it becomes a powerful force that shapes societies and defines the course of history. Foundational documents—such as the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—have laid the groundwork for the freedoms and protections we enjoy today. Yet no state can endure in justice without being rooted in enduring values and principles—values that uphold human dignity, peace, freedom, security, and equality, rather than mere power or prosperity.

Drawing from this vast human heritage, and integrating modern concerns such as environmental protection, animal rights, and sexual freedom, I have authored the Universal Declaration of Human Values—a contemporary framework for a just and humane society. This book serves as both a guide for modern governance and a call to safeguard the progress humanity has painstakingly achieved.
In the coming months, I am delighted to accept the invitation of a Livonia champion of Human Rights, Bill Joyner, to launch a special series exploring twenty foundational values that have shaped our global quest for an ideal, just society. Each month, I will present one of these milestones—tracing its history, philosophy, and relevance for us today.

Article 1: Freedom—the core principle upon which all other rights are built:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, private ownership, security, and pursuit of a better life.”

This simple yet profound statement distills the essence of what it means to live in a society that respects human dignity. Let us examine its components:

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This declares that every person—regardless of race, gender, origin, or belief—is inherently entitled to rights and respect. No person should be considered superior or inferior by virtue of birth.

“Private ownership.” The right to own and control property is a vital pillar of individual liberty, empowering people to manage their resources and make independent choices

“Security.” Security is the guarantee that one’s rights, body, and well-being are protected—both by law and society—against violence, oppression, and discrimination.

“Pursuit of a better life.” Every human being deserves the opportunity to seek personal fulfillment, improvement, and happiness, free from unjust obstacles.

The ideals expressed in this article are not new—they are deeply rooted in humanity’s intellectual and political evolution:

Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries): Philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau articulated concepts of natural rights, liberty, and the social contract, establishing the modern idea of equal human dignity and freedom.

American Revolution (1776): The U.S. Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal” with inalienable rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

French Revolution (1789): The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen enshrined the principles of equality, property rights, freedom of expression, and legal protections for all citizens.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): In response to the horrors of World War II, the global community affirmed these timeless ideals, declaring that every human is entitled to “life, liberty, and security of person.”

Modern International Law: Covenants such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights further refine these principles on a global scale.

I invite you to join me on this journey over the next several months as we explore, one by one, the milestones that continue to guide the global conscience toward freedom, dignity, and justice for all.

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5 Best Documentaries I watched in 2023-2024 And You Should

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 WLeave a comment

1. The Settlers (inside the Jewish settlements)

Scary look at the mentality of the Jewish settlers in Israel. A Jewish version of ISIS. More dangerously, it has manifested itself today into the burning of villages and killings innocent Palestinians by the settlers in the West Bank in 2023, which then lead to Hamas retaliation on October 7, 2023, and consequently started the Gaza Genocide which is still on going with over 40,000 civilian deaths mostly women and children so far.

It is a must watch to understand the complexity of the region and the mentality of what is forming the State of Israel.

2. Chimp Empire | Mahershala Ali on Netflix

Enter into the world of our closest cousin. We have 98% same DNA. Understanding them is understanding some of our basic instincts. The largest group of chimpanzees ever discovered have built a complex society deep in the forest of Ngogo, Uganda — but ambition and neighboring rivals threaten to destabilize their empire. Narrated by Academy Award® Winner Mahershala Ali and directed by Academy Award® winner James Reed, Co-Director of My Octopus Teacher.

3. My Octopus Teacher

A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world. Gives you a new perspective to look at all creatures around us at a time of environmental crisis.

4. Lakota Nation vs. United States

A provocative, visually stunning testament to a land and a people who have survived removal, exploitation and genocide – and whose best days are yet to come.

5. Navalny

Well, he is dead now. But this documentary was made before his mysterious death in a Russian prison. Poison always leaves a trail. The fly-on-the-wall documentary follows Russian opposition leader, Alexey Navalny, through his political rise, attempted assassination and search to uncover the truth.