The Nauru government says claims about the country not being fit for child asylum seekers to return from Australia are offensive lies.
In a statement, the justice minister David Adeang said some Australian leaders are peddling lies in order to achieve a political agenda.
He said any claims sending children back to Nauru is like child abuse is dishonest, unconscionable and outrageous, and an insult to all people on Nauru.
Mr Adeang said refugee families are safe, well supported and treated with great respect.
He said the Nauru government provides many services to help refugees, including hundreds of community liason officers, and is about to open a new $US 19 million hospital and health centre.
Mr Adeang said if Nauru is good enough for its local people, it should be good enough refugees.
Protestors in Sydney ask the government not to send asylum-seekers back to Nauru. Photo: AFP / William West