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The 78 Sri Lankans are refusing to leave the Oceanic Viking because they do not want to be transferred to an Indonesian detention centre.
The UN's regional representative, Richard Towle, says some of the group have already been recognised as needing refugee protection.
"It's difficult for us to say exactly who's on board and what their background and profile is, but we understand there are a number of cases who are known to UNHCR - either as refugees or people who have some registration with our organisation in south-east Asia," he said.
The agency has not been asked to go on board the customs ship carrying the asylum seekers.
Mr Towle says it has become a complex political issue.
"We haven't been on board at this point because we haven't received a specific request from the government of Indonesia and of course, their consent and request would be a prerequisite of us going on board," he said.
Senior officials from the Australian and Indonesian governments are looking at ways to end the standoff.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor says productive discussions are underway.
"Those discussions will continue. It's a difficult challenge," he said.
"We are patient as the Indonesians are and we want to do this in a civil way and will continue to focus on that.
"Let's remember, we rescued these people. They were in grave danger and now pursuant to the agreement reached, we want to have a peaceful transfer of these passengers onto Indonesian soil."
Australian Broadcasting Corporations
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