An independent investigation into claims of sex abuse and the conduct of contractors working at Naura’s detention centre has been announced by Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.

Mr Morrison said acting secretary of the Department of Immigration and border protection, Phillip Moss, would conduct the investigation.

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“The matters that have been brought to my attention are concerning, certainly the allegations of sexual misconduct are abhorrent and I would be horrified to think that things of that nature have taken place,” Mr Morrison said.

He also suggested there are people orchestrating protests and encouraging detainees to hurt themselves in an effort to undermine the detention system.

“The orchestration of protest activity and the facilitation of that protest activity on Nauru, including the tactical use of children, in those protests to frustrate the ability of those working in the centre,” he said.

“The coaching and encouragement of self harm for people to be evacuated off the island.”

In an un-related matter, 10 employees of charity group Save The Children have been removed from Nauru over other concerns.