Detention centre 'a prison camp' for kids

But the Department of Immigration has rejected the claims, saying Refugee Rights Action Network representatives have not even entered the facility.

There are about 168 asylum seekers, including 53 children, housed at the disused mining camp in Leonora.

The Network's Victoria Martin-Iverson says she's visited the camp, and is disturbed by its nature, saying it's not a safe environment for the children, and is affecting their mental health.

But an immigration spokesman says detainees receive care and support from several bodies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission.