In Hong Kong, hundreds gathered to mourn the passing of Shiu Ka-chun, a prominent social worker, university lecturer, and indefatigable advocate for prisoners' rights. Known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, Shiu passed away at the age of 55 after battling stomach cancer. His dedication to improving the conditions of incarcerated individuals and their families has left an indelible mark on Hong Kong's society.
Shiu Ka-chun first rose to prominence during Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement, a pivotal moment in the city's recent history. His involvement in the movement led to his imprisonment, where he continued to champion the rights of fellow prisoners. He clashed with guards over prisoners' welfare and initiated efforts to make prison life more bearable by arranging for books to be mailed to inmates. His experiences behind bars only strengthened his resolve to advocate for systemic change.
After his release, Shiu founded Wall-fare, a support group designed to help families navigate the complexities of prison bureaucracy. This organization played a crucial role during Hong Kong's 2019 protests, providing much-needed assistance to the families of those detained. Shiu's work through Wall-fare was driven by his Christian faith, which inspired his tireless commitment to society.
"He devoted himself because of his Christian faith and his commitment to society. That's very admirable."
Shiu Ka-chun's literary contributions further highlighted his dedication to advocacy. As a prolific writer, he documented his personal struggle with cancer and continued to express his passion for social justice through his words. His writings offered solace and inspiration to many who shared his vision for a more compassionate society.
"Joy and suffering are two extremes and both are necessary to life."
Colleagues and admirers remember Shiu as a pioneer in the legislature, striving to reform systems that he deemed unjust. His efforts not only shone a light on the plight of prisoners but also encouraged others to engage in advocacy work.
"He was the reason I became interested in prisoners' rights… he made me want to do more, even though I might not be able to change much."
Leave a Reply