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Sa Myer Oo who made it into the highest 10 finalists on the Miss Universe Finland 2023 pageant, was born and raised in a refugee camp for displaced Karenni folks on the Thai facet of the Myanmar-Thai border.
She lived on the refugee camp till she was 11, earlier than immigrating along with her household to Finland with the assistance of the United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees.
She lately talked to The Irrawaddy about her expertise within the magnificence pageant, however shortly turned the main target to refugees displaced by the continuing preventing in Myanmar, saying: “My kin have been hiding in forests. I need to see the perfect for Myanmar. I need to have a rustic that’s protected and that values people.”
Please inform us concerning the pageant.
It has completed. I didn’t win a prize. I’m again dwelling, and I’ll return to high school. I made it into the highest 10 finalists. I hadn’t thought I’d make to the highest 10. I might categorical my ideas [about refugees] on stage. I used to be very glad about that.
How did you occur to take part within the contest?
I used to be keen on it since I used to be younger, however another excuse was I needed to talk out. I needed to speak about myself, that I used to be as soon as a refugee. There have been loads of difficulties taking part within the contest. My background was totally different from the opposite contestants. I’m from a refugee camp, and [as a result] I’ve issues with my confidence. I didn’t have full self-confidence just like the others. I felt totally daunted through the competitors. Different contestants didn’t have [the same] fears as a result of they’ve been safe about themselves since they have been younger.
There have been challenges as I needed to converse on stage, and provides interviews. There was additionally a charity mission. On stage, I talked about my purpose—that I need to assist youngsters displaced by preventing, youngsters residing at refugee camps.
Please inform us about your childhood on the refugee camp.
My mother and father needed to flee the preventing in Karenni State. They arrived on the Thai border. I used to be born whereas they have been fleeing. There was no physician. My mom advised me that I solely weighed two kilos once I was born. I lived at a refugee camp close to the Thai-Myanmar border for 11 years.
Issues have been tough then. My childhood was not safe. We couldn’t exit of the refugee camp. It was like a jail. Some individuals who went out of the camp have been tortured in the event that they have been arrested. There have been no human rights. We survived on meals donated by others. We had no goals. I arrived in Finland by the UN once I was 11. It was a chance to alter my life. So, I need to do one thing for my folks and my nation.
Myanmar is going through a worse state of affairs now. How do you are feeling about that?
I really feel very unhappy. My kin have been hiding in forests. I need to see the perfect of Myanmar. I need to have a rustic that’s protected and that values people.
I spoke out about my experiences on stage in Finland. I’ll proceed to talk out by different mediums.
How do you need to see Myanmar?
Right here, I’m all the time requested the place I come from. It’s tough to reply. I come from Myanmar. However, I don’t have a Myanmar passport. I’ve by no means been to Myanmar. I’m not a Thai citizen both. I bought a Finland passport once I was 18. After I made a visit with that passport, I even cried on the airplane. I used to be as soon as stateless.
Finland has accepted us and supported us to return this far. I’m very grateful. Finland has returned my human values. As a human, I’ve worth. As a lady, I’ve worth. I turned conscious of my worth solely after I arrived in Finland.
What do you need to say concerning the youngsters displaced by the continuing preventing?
It’s simple to note how a lot youngsters are cared for right here, and the way a lot effort is made for them. I’ve labored in childcare. The state of affairs appears fairly the other in Myanmar. I really feel very unhappy. Kids in Myanmar even have worth. Adults should defend them as a lot as they’ll. They have to help the kids who’re our future. It’s the duty of adults to handle youngsters.
I need to urge displaced folks in Myanmar to remain sturdy. We expats are talking out for you. We’re collectively. We are able to do something if we work collectively. Although we’re out of the country, we don’t neglect them. They’re in our minds.
What are your plans for the longer term?
I’m nonetheless finding out. I’m specializing in sociology. I need to do a Grasp’s diploma. My ambition is to work for kids in Myanmar. I need to assist youngsters in Myanmar in cooperation with embassies. I’ve a giant dream—to work for the UN.
I all the time need to go to Kayah State. I need to eat Myanmar meals. My father all the time tells me to handle our folks and our nation someday. We’ve to do loads for the event of Myanmar and the kids in Myanmar.
What do you need to say to Myanmar individuals who supported you within the pageant?
I’m very grateful to them for his or her help. I pray for the kids in Myanmar. I’m decided to enhance their lives.
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