A/HRC/10/59 page 14 these women ever managed to receive actual compensation payments from the State.20 International actors providing assistance to survivors of rape often neglect the need to support the socio-economic reintegration of women. 41. On 20 July 2006, the Government adopted a Law on Sexual Violence, which introduced major improvements to the Congolese Penal Code and the Code of Penal Procedure.21 The Law has been disseminated through a number of advocacy campaigns, including a national campaign against rape launched by the First Lady of the Republic in November 2007. These important initiatives have yet to lead to real changes on the ground, since they are being undermined by widespread impunity for sexual violence and other atrocities. 42. In June 2008, the Ministry of Justice adopted a roadmap against impunity for sexual violence identifying useful and practical priority actions.22 In addition, the Sub-Group on Sexual Violence, presided by the Minister of Gender, Women and Children’s Affairs, is in the process of finalizing an action plan on sexual violence. It is positive that donors, such as the Governments of Belgium and Canada, but also many others, prioritize violence against women in their support strategies. In this regard, the coordination of initiatives and the streamlining of referral pathways for victims need to be addressed. Building on existing initiatives by the Government, the United Nations and civil society, the United Nations system in the DRC is in the process of formulating a comprehensive strategy to address sexual violence focusing on four interconnected strategic areas: combating impunity; protection and prevention; security sector reform; and multi-sectoral response for survivors. 4. Situation of human rights defenders 43. Human rights defenders engaged in denouncing serious violations of human rights, grave breaches of international humanitarian law and rampant impunity in the eastern part of the DRC are subject to threats and attacks by all parties to the conflict. They face stigmatization and are often accused of collusion with a party to the conflict. Women defenders are at particular risk, and several cases of rape of women defenders were reported to the thematic special procedures. 44. Despite the opening in November 2008 of a humanitarian corridor allowing aid workers and MONUC staff to better circulate in the Kivus region, human rights defenders remain vulnerable to attacks and their activities continue to be seriously impeded. 45. Human rights defenders based in Goma are reportedly scared to operate because of the presence of CNDP elements in town. They fear reprisals for their legitimate activities. 46. Human rights defenders based in Rutshuru territory, controlled for the most part by CNDP, are reportedly particularly affected. They have notably been active in reporting on the Kiwanja massacre and providing medical and psychological assistance to rape victims. According to 20 Ibid., para. 68. 21 Ibid., para. 66. 22 See S/2008/728, paras. 35 and 36.