438. However, given the poor conditions in prisons, the Ministry endeavours to place the children with their extended families once they are older. 9.7 Children victims of harmful social and cultural practices 439. This issue has been dealt with extensively in preceding sections of the report. Please refer back to Section 2.2, paragraphs 33-53; section 4.1, paragraph 101; section 5.2 paragraph 139; section 6.3, paragraphs 197-204; and section 7.2.5, paragraph 324. 9.8 Protection against discrimination for children belonging to minority groups 440. This issue has been dealt with extensively in preceding sections of the report, notably under section 4.1 of the report, paragraph 101. 9.9 Children who need special protection on account of being in risky or vulnerable conditions 441. This issue has been dealt with extensively in preceding sections of the report. For example, the heightened vulnerability and risks faced by children affected by HIV and AIDS is viewed as cross-cutting issue that is required to be addressed by all sectors. Therefore it is addressed under the various measures documented under different rights domains in the preceding chapters of the report. For example, measures taken to protect children separated from their parents, including those orphaned by HIV and AIDS is addressed in section 6.2 of the report; and the various preventative and curative health measures taken to reduce the risks associated with HIV and AIDS are addressed in section 7.2.4 in paragraphs 308-320. 442. The GoSL has taken a number of measures to ensure a coordinated multi-sectoral approach to addressing the rights of children affected by HIV and AIDS. These are documented in section 7.2.4 of the report. Additional measures taken to ensure that efforts specifically for children affected by HIV and AIDS are better coordinated and strengthened include: a. b. c. 112  The establishment of the NETHIPS-network of people living with HIV/AIDS. These are support groups which have been established in all districts. Support groups have been trained to address issues linked specifically to children and adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS. The National Aids Secretariat has an OVC/Children affected by Aids unit which coordinates the Technical Working Group meets on a monthly basis. The GoSL, working with its implementing partners is also supporting a local NGO (HAPPY) in 5 districts to empower children affected by Aids. It provides a resource center, education, health support, training of care takers, and sensitization in communities. Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone Initial Report on the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 2002-2014