Australia defends treament of asylum seekers

The Australian government is defending its treatment of Afghan asylum seekers held on the Pacific island of Nauru.

Around 1000 Afghans have been housed in a camp on the island while their asylum applications are being processed.

However Amnesty International are describing the conditions as unfit for human habitation, with spokesman for Amnesty International, John Pace saying the housing "is like chicken pens".

It is reported that the constant heat is making the conditions even more unbearable.

However, the Australian Immigration Minister, Philip Ruddock has defended the decision to place the asylum seekers on the island.

He said that in other situations you would describe Nauru as an idyllic Pacific island, adding that "in comparison to the great multiplicity of circumstances refugees find themselves around the world, Nauru would be a heaven in comparison".