mandates the State to take measures to combat all forms of violence against women in public and private life. More precisely, Article 15 of the Constitution requires public authorities to ensure the elimination of sexual violence, international treaties and agreements notwithstanding, any sexual violence committed against any person, with the intention to destabilize or to displace a family or to make a whole people disappear, is established as a crime against humanity punishable by law. 152. Thus, to translate this clearly expressed will into action in this country’s fundamental law, two laws were promulgated on 20th July, 2006, in particular, Law No.06/018 of 20 July, 2006 on sexual violence amending and complementing the Decree of 30 January, 1940 the Congolese Penal Code; and Law No. 06/019 of 20 July, 2006, amending and complementing the Decree of 6 August, 1959 which enacted the Congolese Criminal Procedure Code. Among the innovations brought about by these two laws to date in relation to the legislation in force is the establishment of the various forms of sexual violence previously not included as an offence in the criminal code, the definition of rape in accordance with international standards applicable to this subject matter, as well as the determination of the relevant sanctions. 153. In order to contribute to the prevention and reduction of sexual and gender-based violence, the improvement of holistic care for survivors of violence and rehabilitation of perpetrators of these acts, a national strategy to combat gender-based violence was developed in 2009 by the Ministry of Gender Affairs. This strategy, coupled with an action plan, defines the government’s policy and actions needed to address this canker. The SNVBG comprises five (5) components, namely: (i) fighting impunity (ii) ensuring protection and prevention, (iii) undertaking security sector reforms (iv) ensuring multisectoral assistance, as well as (v) data and mapping. 154. To monitor the implementation of the SNVBG and other strategies developed for the promotion of women’s rights and the fight against various forms of violence perpetrated against women, young women and girls in the DRC, a national agency to combat violence against women (AVIFEM) (AVIFEM) was established and a National Fund put in place to promote and protect women and children (FONAFEN); these bodies are now operational, although they often confronted with financial challenges. The same situation applies to the Study and Planning Unit for the Promotion of Women, the Family and Child Protection (CEPFE) a strategic structure at the Ministry of Gender Affairs, which among others, is responsible for the collection, processing and publication of statistical data on violence committed against women and children. 155. To ensure the monitoring of sectoral policy implementation within the framework of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (DSCRP II), the interministerial Committee in charge of steering the said strategies, created several sectoral thematic groups as discussion forums, among which are the Gender Thematic Group (GTG), one of which sub-groups addresses sexual and gender-based violence issues. The purpose of this sub-group is to promote dialogue between the government, financial and technical partners, civil society organisations and the private sector in the implementation of policies, strategies, plans and programmes related to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. This group has representations at the provincial level. 156. With regard to trafficking of women or their involvement in scientific or biological experiments without their consent, the country has not yet recorded any such case. However, isolated cases of trafficking or attempted child trafficking have been reported; people involved in such acts have been arrested and brought before competent judicial authorities. The Government is considering the establishment of a High National Authority on the adoption of children  Harmful practices inflicted on women, including female genital mutilation (Article 5) 157. Harmful practices defined by the MAPUTO Protocol relate to any behaviour, attitude or practice which negatively affects women’s fundamental rights such as the right to life, healthcare, education, dignity and physical integrity. 36