Sri Lanka is facing mounting criticism for denying the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) access to more than 100 Rohingya refugees including women and children held for over a year at a military airbase in Mullaitivu.

The group was rescued by Eelam Tamil fishermen in December 2024 after being stranded off the country’s northeastern coast while fleeing violence in Myanmar. Instead of being processed as asylum-seekers, they were taken into military custody.

“UNHCR continues to formally request access to the group to assess their needs and international protection claims, which has not been permitted,” said UNHCR Bangkok spokesperson Mariko Hall, urging the Sri Lankan government to release the detainees and allow humanitarian support.

According to Tamil Guardian, a court had ordered the refugees to be transferred to the Mirihana detention centre near Colombo, but they were instead diverted to the Mullaitivu Air Force Base following an undisclosed “high-level” intervention. The refugees have since remained isolated under armed guard.

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), which was only allowed to visit in January 2025, found 116 individuals detained, including 57 children and several infants born during captivity. “These people are victims of war and persecution, not criminals,” said HRCSL Commissioner Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke, calling the ongoing detention “a very tragic situation.”

He warned that Sri Lanka’s treatment of the Rohingyas violates both domestic and international laws protecting refugees and children. Despite repeated appeals from the HRCSL and UNHCR, the government has taken no steps to grant access or release the group.

UNHCR said it stands ready to provide humanitarian support once the detainees are freed.

BOB Post