Malawi to probe video exploitation of children exposed by BBC

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Malawi to probe video exploitation of children exposed by BBC

8:04 CAT | 13 Jun 2022

Image: BBC

Malawi’s minister responsible for child welfare says the racism revealed in a BBC investigation is an “insult to Malawian children and it is also an insult to the Malawian nation”.

The in-depth report by BBC Africa Eye uncovered a Chinese video-making industry that exploits vulnerable children across the continent, including Malawi, in which they are paid to chant racist slogans in Chinese.

Patricia Kaliati told BBC Focus on Africa the Malawian government had launched an investigation into the claims made in the documentary, and said the government would not tolerate abuse of Malawian children.

Their exploitation is “reprehensible” and “despicable”, said Malawi’s Human Rights Defenders Coalition. The group deplored the lack of accountability for those responsible, and urged the government to join forces with the UN and others to “halt” the murky video-marking industry.

Watch BBC Africa Eye’s report in full here

In February 2020 a shocking video began to circulate on Chinese social media. A group of African children are being instructed, by a voice off-camera, to chant phrases in Chinese. The kids repeat the words with smiles and enthusiasm — but they don’t understand that what they’re being told to say is ” I am a black monster and my IQ is low.”

The clip ignited outrage in China and beyond. But no-one ever answered some crucial questions: why was this filmed? Where was it shot? Who made it?

These questions send BBC Africa Eye reporters Runako Celina and Henry Mhango on a journey into a Chinese video-making industry that exploits vulnerable children across the continent.

Investigative reporters: Runako Celina and Henry Mhango

Producer: Chiara Francavilla

Video editing: Suzanne Vanhooymissen & Matthew Bradley

Exec Prod: Daniel Adamson

Source: BBC