Watch: Myanmar’s Miss Universe contestant pleads ‘our people are dying’ at pageant

Thuzar Wint Lwin, Myanmar’s contestant for the Miss Universe title, used her platform on Sunday to urge the world to speak out against the military junta rule in her country.

Myanmar went through a military coup on February 1 this year, with the ruling junta reportedly killing hundreds of protestors seeking democratic reforms.

In a video message for the 2021 Miss Universe competition at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida Lwin said: “Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day.”

“I would like to urge everyone to speak about Myanmar. As Miss Universe Myanmar since the coup, I have been speaking out as much as I can,” she added.

The Myanmar military junta’s spokesperson is yet to comment on the matter.

Lwin is one among a host of other Myanmar celebrities who have voiced their concerns and opposition to the coup that saw state leader Aung San Suu Kyi being overthrown and put under detention.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group, nearly 800 people have been killed and 5000 have been arrested by Myanmar security forces since the coup.

Lwin failed to make it to the last round of the Miss Universe competition but did win the award for Best National Costume. Her dress was based on the ethnic wear of her native Chin people in northwestern Myanmar, a region where conflict has escalated in recent weeks between the Myanmar army and anti-junta militants.