The newly crowned Miss Algeria has responded to her critics after she was abused on social media because of her skin colour.
Khadija Ben Hamou, who comes from Adrar in the south of Algeria, became the second black woman - after Nassima Mokadem in 2005 - to win the pageant.
But she was criticised online for her appearance.
"I will not back down because of the people who criticised me," she said in response to the abuse, according to the BBC.
"I am honoured that I have achieved my dream, and I am honoured by the state of Adrar where I come from," she continued.
"I also encourage the girls of my region to participate in the competition if they wish to do so."
Following the criticism, many people came out online to defend her against the abuse.
Ms Ben Hamou won the beauty pageant after 20 rounds of competition.
The beauty pageant also came out in defence of Ms Ben Hamou, slamming the "racist behaviour".
“The Miss Algeria organisation deplores the racist behaviour and comments of several people," it posted on Facebook.
Ms Ben Hamou will now go on to compete in Miss World representing Algeria.
