Virginia and Naomi Leong

Virginia and Naomi Leong are a mother and daughter who currently reside within the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, Australia. The pair are Malaysian citizens. Naomi Leong is one of 74 children currently within the detention system.

Virginia Leong was two months pregnant when she was arrested and placed under mandatory detention in 2001 for attempting to leave Australia without correct papers.

As of May 2005, Naomi Leong was 3 years old, and has lived her entire life within the detention system. Over this period she has allegedly become mentally disturbed, indications including bruises from banging her head against walls. She is also purported to suffer from severe separation anxiety.

From March till May of 2005, psychiatrist Dr. Michael Dudley orchestrated a campaign to allow Naomi to visit a local playgroup for 2 hours a week, for the sake of her mental health. Dr. Dudley argued "She's been brought up in prison, in a highly abnormal environment with highly distressed people. It's not an environment conducive to child development."

The Immigration Department has since granted this request, allowing the two hours of normal life required to restore her mental health.

Reference

• "Mother and baby kept in isolation", The Australian, (May 5, 2005)

• "Girl in Australian detention since birth suffers mental problems", New Zealand Herald, (May 6, 2005)

• "Immigration Department yields to psychiatrist's requests", ABC Local Radio, (May 6, 2005)