A social agency says many Australians are deeply ashamed of how their government treats asylum seekers.
Catholic Social Services Australia made the observation following its submission to the Senate Inquiry on serious allegations of abuse, self-harm and neglect of asylum seekers detained on Manus Island and Nauru
In its submission, the agency called for detainees to be returned to Australia, and for independent oversight of children in detention.
The agency's chief executive, Marcelle Mogg, says the submission was motivated by United Nations reports of abuse and neglect of detainees.
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People attend a candlelight vigil in support of asylum seekers, in Sydney on February 23, 2014. Photo: AFP/Muhammad Farooq