Early Life and Education
Emily Lau was born on January 21, 1952, in Hong Kong, China. She grew up in a politically tumultuous time, with the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in mainland China and the looming handover of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty. Despite these challenges, Lau was determined to pursue a career in politics and make a difference in her community.
Lau attended the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she studied journalism and communication. She later went on to earn a Master’s degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, further honing her skills in public speaking and advocacy.
Political Career
Lau’s political career began in the 1980s when she joined the Hong Kong Democratic Party, a pro-democracy political party advocating for greater political freedoms in Hong Kong. She quickly rose through the ranks of the party, becoming a prominent voice for human rights and civil liberties in the region.
Throughout her career, Lau has been a vocal critic of the Chinese government’s policies towards Hong Kong, particularly regarding issues such as freedom of speech, press freedom, and democratic reform. She has faced backlash and criticism for her outspoken views, but has remained steadfast in her commitment to advocating for the rights of the people of Hong Kong.
Awards and Recognition
Lau’s tireless work as a politician and advocate for human rights has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her dedication to promoting democracy and civil liberties in Hong Kong.
One of Lau’s most prestigious awards is the Bruno Kreisky Award for Services to Human Rights, which she received in recognition of her efforts to protect the rights of marginalized communities in Hong Kong. She has also been awarded the Monismanien Prize for her contributions to promoting democratic values in Asia.
Personal Life
Emily Lau has been married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to Winston Poon, a businessman based in Hong Kong. The couple had two children together before divorcing amicably.
Lau later married John Ball, an American journalist who shared her passion for human rights and social justice. The couple has been together for over two decades, supporting each other in their respective careers and activism efforts.
Legacy and Impact
Emily Lau’s legacy as a trailblazing politician and advocate for human rights is undeniable. Throughout her career, she has fearlessly spoken out against injustice and oppression, inspiring countless others to stand up for what they believe in.
Her impact on the political landscape of Hong Kong cannot be overstated. Lau’s unwavering commitment to democracy and civil liberties has helped shape public discourse and policy decisions in the region, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.
Challenges and Controversies
As a prominent figure in Hong Kong politics, Emily Lau has faced numerous challenges and controversies throughout her career. She has been targeted by pro-Beijing forces for her outspoken views on democracy and human rights, leading to personal attacks and threats against her safety.
Lau has also faced criticism from some quarters within Hong Kong for her uncompromising stance on political issues. Despite these challenges, she has remained resolute in her beliefs and continued to fight for a more democratic and inclusive society.
Publications
In addition to her work as a politician, Emily Lau is also a prolific writer and commentator on political issues. She has authored several books on democracy, human rights, and civil liberties, including “Defending Hong Kong: Struggle for Democracy” and “Stirring Winds: Reflections on China.”
Lau’s writings have been widely acclaimed for their insightfulness and clarity, shedding light on the complex political landscape of Hong Kong and mainland China. Her work continues to be an important resource for scholars, activists, and policymakers seeking to understand the challenges facing the region.
Current Activities
Despite retiring from active politics in recent years, Emily Lau remains actively involved in advocacy work for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. She serves on several advisory boards and committees dedicated to promoting civil liberties and political reform in the region.
Lau is also a sought-after speaker at conferences and events around the world, where she shares her experiences as a politician and advocate for human rights. Her insights into the challenges facing Hong Kong continue to be invaluable to those working towards a more just and equitable society.
