The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Committee to Protect Journalist have condemned the killing of journalist Christopher Allen.

The 26-year-old freelance journalist was killed in a fighting between government and Opposition forces in the border town of Kaya, Yei River State.

“In keeping with the Geneva Conventions, journalists retain their civilian status in conflict situations. It is therefore the obligation of all parties to protect them,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, in a statement issued on Tuesday,

His work had been carried by leading media outlets, including Al Jazeera and the US-base Vice News.

“Taking photographs and reporting events is not attacking. It is journalistic work done by civilians, who are protected under international law,” said Angela Quintal, the Committee to Protect CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, from New York.

Christopher Allen, an American national, was reporting on the fighting on the side of opposition forces.

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