Queensland has been accused of breaking its own laws by locking children in detention for up to 24 hours a day. 

The Queensland government is facing accusations that it may have broken its own laws by keeping two 13-year-old boys locked up for up to 24 hours a day at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre in Townsville. 

The Children's Court in Cairns has heard that one of the boys (named ‘Jack’), who is Aboriginal, spent a total of 45 days locked in a cell while awaiting trial. 

Jack spent 60 days in custody, including six days in adult watch houses in Mareeba and Cairns. 

Jack's mother has stated that her son claimed he was denied drinking water during a lengthy period in solitary confinement at CYDC and became so distressed he flooded his cell. 

The Human Rights Commissioner warned such cases may breach Queensland's Human Rights Act and international human rights rules. 

Meanwhile, independent inspections of prisons and youth detention centres will not commence for some time. 

The government is facing calls to authorise the inspector of detention services to begin work urgently.