The United Nations says the rate of attacks and violence against journalists and media workers in South Sudan is increasing.

Two UN human rights experts say the violence has now reached a critical level.

The statement comes eight days after the killing of journalist Peter Moi, who was shot dead in Juba on the way to his house.

Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, and on extrajudicial executions, Christof Heyns have condemned the killing.

“I unequivocally condemn the recent killings of journalists in South Sudan. Any threats or attacks are completely unacceptable and only embolden perpetrators to commit further violence against journalists, with impunity,” Mr. Kaye said.

“I urge the country’s authorities to promote a safe and enabling environment for them to perform their work independently and without interference.”

The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Heyns, said: “I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of attacks against journalists in South Sudan. The brutal killing of Mr. Moi … need to be urgently and thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”

“Political leaders have a duty to refrain from making provocative statements against journalists,” Mr. Heyns noted.

“The Government must take measures to prevent such killings and to conduct thorough, prompt and impartial investigations of all cases of summary executions of journalists in the country since the beginning of the year.”
Mr Moi is the seventh journalist killed in South Sudan his year.

The UN officials say South Sudanese authorities should promote a safe environment for journalism in the country.