HREOC Report on Children in Immigration Detention

Dr Capolingua said the AMA and other medical groups have consistently argued that prolonged detention of asylum seekers - especially children - causes harmful health effects, particularly with mental health and physical wellbeing.

"It is estimated that there are still 151 children in immigration detention," Dr Capolingua said.

"This is 151 children too many.

"The Government must implement the HREOC recommendations for appropriate rapid processing of families in order to protect the children.

"Children are particularly vulnerable and the detention environment places enormous stress on them.

"They often witness behavioural and psychological distress in adults, including their parents, and episodes of violence and self-harm.

"As per the HEREOC report, the AMA requests the release of all children in detention.

"If one or both parents are assessed to be a high security risk, the Department should seek the urgent advice of the relevant child protection authorities regarding the best interests of the child, and implement that advice.

"According HREOC, more than 92 per cent of all children arriving by boat since 1999 have been recognised by Australian authorities to be refugees.

"In the case of Iraqi children, the figures are as high as 98 per cent.

"Many children have spent unnecessary time in detention.

"The Government and the Australian community should continue to work toward a more caring and humanitarian approach to detention of all asylum seekers, whether held offshore or onshore - and children in particular need our compassion," Dr Capolingua said.

CONTACT:         John Flannery            (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761