We are pleased to announce the availability of our latest installment of podcast episodes in Human Rights Education NOW! Episodes 64 & 65 feature conversations with Jefferson R. Plantilla.
Jefferson R. Plantilla started legal education work in the Philippines in 1985 in the Structural Alternative Legal Assistance for the Grassroots (SALAG). He became the Coordinator of the Asian Regional Resource Center on Human Rights Education (ARRC) in Thailand from 1992 to 1995. From July 1995, he started working at the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA) in Japan. He conducts research, develops international teaching materials, and edits the annual Human Rights Education in Asia-Pacific publication, as well as several training resources used throughout the region. He participates as a resource person in workshops and conferences in Asia. His writings are available at HURIGHTS OSAKA website, https://www.hurights.or.jp/english/publication.html, and also in Academia,https://hurights.academia.edu/JeffersonRonanPlantilla.
Episode 64: Jefferson R. Plantilla Part One
In Episode 64, Jeff Plantilla recounts his journey into human rights education (HRE), beginning with his law school training and the impact of living under martial law during the Marcos regime in the Philippines. His early exposure to human rights violations shaped his activism and lifelong dedication to Human Rights Education (HRE).
Jeff describes his influential work with the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center, where he advanced education initiatives during the UN Decade for Human Rights Education. With support from local governments in Osaka, his work included collaborating with national human rights commissions, organizing workshops, and producing instructional materials. These efforts contributed to the creation of regional networks that shared resources and strategies across the Asia-Pacific.
The episode also explores human rights education in Japan, highlighting the legal mandate for HRE, challenges of addressing systemic human rights conflicts versus interpersonal relations, and anti-discrimination education focused on the Burakumin community in western Japan. Jeff notes the lack of public awareness about discrimination against Burakumin and stresses the importance of embedding these topics into legal and educational frameworks.
Topics Discussed:
- Origins of interest: Law school training and life under Marcos’ martial law
- Impact of violations: How Philippine human rights abuses shaped his activism
- Asia-Pacific HRE work: Building networks, workshops, instructional materials, and government support in Osaka
- National human rights commissions: Their role in advancing HRE
- HRE in Japan: Legal mandates, human rights conflicts vs. human relations, and anti-discrimination work with Burakumin communities
- Closing reflections on sustaining HRE initiatives in the region
Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.
Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.
Episode 64: Jefferson R. Plantilla Part Two
In Episode 65, Jeff Plantilla offers insights on strengthening human rights education (HRE) by emphasizing diversity, supporting local initiatives, and adapting messages to cultural contexts. He highlights the importance of addressing concrete issues, such as housing as a human right, and reflects on the challenges facing HRE in Japan.
Jeff shares that the individuals who have influenced him are those who show humility, respect, patience, and determination. He cites a quote from a Filipino farmer leader—“We should not entrust to people with full stomachs, the resolution of problems of us who are hungry”—which echoes Paulo Freire’s approach of listening to people and empowering communities.
For advancing HRE in Asia, Jeff recommends targeting concrete issues central to people’s lives, basing actions on careful study of their lived experiences, and co-developing solutions with communities from the ground up.
Topics Discussed:
- Leadership recommendations: Diversity in HRE and prioritizing local initiatives
- Housing as a human right and specific challenges in Japan
- Cultural adaptation: Tailoring HRE messaging to local norms
- Influences: Humility, patience, and determination as guiding traits
- Key quotes: Empowerment through listening to marginalized voices
- Strategic recommendation: Ground HRE work in local issues and community-driven solutions
- Closing reflections
Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.
Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.
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