Paediatricians are calling for two children held in offshore detention on Christmas Island to be returned to the mainland, claiming their treatment is violating their human rights.

The so-called ‘Biloela family’ have so far spent 1000 days in detention after numerous failed attempts to claim political asylum.

Doctors are now urging Prime Minister Scott Morrison to use his discretionary powers to allow the family to return to Biloela, Queensland and settle permanently in Australia, saying they are concerned about the welfare of five-year-old Kopika and three-year-old Tharunicaa.

In an open letter, signed by Professor David Isaacs, clinical professor of paediatrics and child health at Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, they write: “Social isolation, uncertainty and parental stress negatively impact social development and the capacity of the family to parent positively.