A refugee on Nauru is critically ill after refusing food, water and medical care, while a 12-year-old girl has been hospitalised after reportedly attempting to set herself on fire.
Refugee children take part in protest on Nauru Photo: supplied
A government source has told the Guardian that the situation on Nauru has grown "dangerously chaotic".
A 17-year-old girl is being treated inside the regional processing centre after refusing all food, fluid and medical treatment for almost three weeks.
The girl is one of several children doctors say are critically ill on the island.
Three doctors have written medical referrals for the 17-year-old, stating she should be urgently moved to a hospital off island.
They also diagnosed her with major depressive disorder and resignation syndrome.
Her condition has reportedly deteriorated badly over the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, a 12-year-old refugee girl attempted to set herself on fire.
Family and friends intervened but she reportedly sustained injuries and is in hospital.
The girl was seen by a psychiatrist last week who recommended she be moved to Australia.
