Asylum seeker sets himself alight in Nauru

An asylum seeker being held in Nauru's detention centre has set himself on fire in what has been described as a "political protest".

The 23-year-old Iranian is now being treated for serious burns and will be evacuated to an Australian hospital tonight.

"This is how tired we are, this action will prove how exhausted we are. I cannot take it any more," a witness quoted the refugee as saying.

The Guardian reports the young man is a recognised refugee.

The Nauruan Government said the protest was made to "coincide with a visit by representatives from UNHCR".

"Nauru has invested considerable time and money into services to assist the refugee community socially, emotionally, medically and vocationally, and to ensure all refugees are safe in our country," the statement said.

"There is no value in such behaviour."

At a press conference this afternoon, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton reiterated that asylum seekers on Nauru would never be settled in Australia.

Dutton said the man's condition was "not very good at all".

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78