Many Australians are deeply ashamed of how their government treats asylum seekers, a social agency says.
People attend a candlelight vigil in support of asylum seekers, in Sydney on February 23, 2014. Photo: AFP/Muhammad Farooq
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 Papua New Guinea's 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, said in the past Australia had welcomed asylum seekers and benefited from their contribution to society.
"Many Australians have long opposed Australia's response to asylum seekers and refugees that has been prevalent in the last 15 years. We are deeply ashamed of the way that successive Australian governments have responded to the global challenge of asylum seekers and refugees."
The latest data from the Australian department of Immigration and Border Protection shows 410 people are detained on Nauru and 823 on Manus Island.