Australia's Human Rights Law Centre says it hopes the government will take the United Nations seriously and review its practices on the detention of refugees.
The Australian government is being reviewed by the United Nations Committee Against Torture in Geneva this week.
The centre's Director of Advocacy says it's clear from the line of questioning the UN has real concerns over cruel and inhumane treatment at the asylum seeker detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru.
Rachel Ball says deaths in detention as well as children being locked up, are examples of Australia's violations of international law.
"We're hoping that the review process will shine a light on some of the worst of the Australian government's practices. And that the Australian government will receive the recommendations and observations of the committee, take them seriously and set about implementing them."
Rachel Ball.
