After being rescued by Tamil fishermen in Mullaitivu, the Rohingya refugees were initially taken into military custody. Since then, the refugees have been held under armed military guard, largely cut off from the outside world. The HRCSL has strongly criticised the continued military detention of the refugees and the refusal to grant UNHCR access. Dr. Gunatilleke further emphasised that humanitarian assistance should not be conditional on release from military detention and must be provided immediately. "Once they are released from detention, UNHCR will coordinate with stakeholders in Sri Lanka to support their humanitarian needs," Hall said.