A United Nations report into the Nauru prison camp has raised "profound" concern over the inhuman and degrading treatment of refugee children there, which it says is having an impact on their physical wellbeing.
About 500 people, including 50 children, are stuck in a prison on the tiny Pacific Island nation as they seek asylum in Australia.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Children said in its report that the refugees face persistent discrimination, and are living in cramped, humid and life-threatening conditions.
"The Committee is concerned at the lack of a comprehensive policy to specifically promote and protect the rights of children," the report said. "It also notes with concern reports indicating that the Child Protection Directorate staff lack training or formal experience in child protection/child welfare."