Objective: The article aims to discuss the impact of mandatory detention and human rights violations on the mental health of asylum seekers and the implications for psychiatrists and health professionals.
Conclusions: Advocacy for human rights and engagement in social debate are core ethical and professional responsibilities. Clinicians need to maintain a focus on ethical obligations.
Keywords: Australia; asylum seekers; detained children; detention; ethics; human rights; immigration policy; mental health care; refugees; stress; trauma.