Woomera parents may lose children
From AAP
21jan02
CHILDREN coerced into joining protests at the Woomera detention centre may be separated from their parents, Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock has said.
Three children have so far needed hospital treatment after taking part in an on-going protest over delays in processing visa applications.
The action has included a hunger strike in which at least 55 detainees sewed their lips, while 15 others were reported to have attempted suicide by swallowing detergent.
The children, aged between 12 and 15, are now back in detention after being treated at Woomera's hospital.
They were treated for dehydration and had stitches removed from their lips, an Immigration Department spokeswoman said last night.
Today, Mr Ruddock said the Federal Government would discuss with relevant state authorities the possibility of removing some children from the care of their parents.
Such action might be taken in cases "where parents may not be fulfilling their proper obligations as parents to their children", he told ABC Radio.