A/RES/60/223 14. Stresses the critical importance of a regional approach to conflict prevention, particularly regarding cross-border issues such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, prevention of illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and high-value commodities, and emphasizes the potential role of the African Union and subregional organizations in addressing the issue of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects; 15. Notes with concern the tragic plight of children in conflict situations in Africa, particularly the growing phenomenon of child soldiers, and reiterates the need for post-conflict counselling, rehabilitation and education; 16. Also notes with concern that violence against women continues and often increases, even as armed conflicts draw to an end, and urges further progress in the implementation of policies and guidelines relating to protection of and assistance for women in conflict and post-conflict situations; 17. Calls for the enhancement of the role of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict peacebuilding and for expanding gender mainstreaming in the work of United Nations organizations involved in peacemaking, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction; 18. Decides to continue to monitor the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa; 19. Stresses the importance of enabling the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa to better fulfil its role as the focal point within the Secretariat for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the SecretaryGeneral referred to in paragraph 18 above; 20. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its sixty-first session a progress report on the implementation of the present resolution. 69th plenary meeting 23 December 2005 4