A/71/205 holistic approach to the release and reintegration of children is also an important development. The agreement’s successful implementation will be an important signal to parties in other protracted conflicts that dialogue can lead to concrete results for the protection of children. IV. Raising global awareness and mainstreaming A. Field visits 47. Field visits remain a central aspect of the Special Representative’s activities and were undertaken to Cuba (November 2015 and May 2016), Afghanistan (February 2016), the Sudan (March 2016) and Somalia (July 2016). Cuba, for the Colombia peace process 48. As noted in paragraph 42, the Special Representative was invited to visit Havana in November 2015 to follow up on commitments made during her first visit in May 2015. Through engagement with the negotiating parties and facilitators, the Special Representative advocated for the prioritization of the release and reintegration of all under-aged children associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — Ejército del Pueblo, and for the need to put in place guarantees of non-repetition to prevent re-recruitment by other armed actors. 49. In May 2016, the Special Representative was invited to witness the signing of the agreement on the separation of children under 15 years old from t he camps of FARC-EP and commitment to the development of a road map for the separation of all other minors and a comprehensive special care programme (Joint Communique #70 on minors). In her declaration at the announcement ceremony, the Special Representative welcomed the parties’ perseverance and commitment to bringing protection and peace to the children of Colombia. Afghanistan 50. From 13 to 17 February 2016, during a visit to Afghanistan, the Special Representative engaged in high-level dialogue with the Government to support the implementation of the action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by the Afghan National Security Forces and the road map to compliance agreed in August 2013. She also met with key partners, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the diplomatic communit y and civil society. 51. The Special Representative was encouraged by the political will and commitment of the Government to fully implement the action plan. She had the opportunity to visit a child protection unit at the Afghan National Police recruitmen t centre in Herat province, which prevented the recruitment of 211 children in 2015. Since her visit, a further child protection unit has been inaugurated, bringing the total to seven nationwide. The Special Representative also had open discussions with the Government about remaining challenges, including ensuring systematic implementation of instruments and mechanisms to prevent child recruitment; strengthening oversight and control of recruitment by the Afghan Local Police; pursuing accountability to prevent future recruitment and use; and providing reintegration programmes and alternatives for children. 12/18 16-12896