Sri Lanka will set up a special panel to tackle widespread sexual abuse and exploitation of women including thousands of war widows, the government said Wednesday.

The establishment of a new National Commission on Women comes amid warnings that women from the Tamil minority face widespread sexual exploitation by officials in their own community as well as from the military.

The commission will have powers of prosecution, said the government in a statement.

Sri Lanka’s former president Chandrika Kumaratunga said last week that women faced sexual abuse from local officials, with those widowed during the 37-year conflict particularly at risk.

Many have struggled in the war’s aftermath to obtain identity papers and birth certificates, which are essential to obtain government handouts and other aid.

Related articles across the web

• Preview: BLACK WIDOW #11
• Scotland Yard facing £3m legal threat over bungled VIP child abuse inquiry
• State says Pulse gunman's widow knew of his plan, Disney target; judge orders mental evaluation
• Allen Sanderson R.I.P. "The Archivist"
• 'This Beautiful Fantastic' First Trailer Offers a Look at Contemporary Fairytale
• Orlando shooter's widow seeks jail release pending trial
• 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Ride Opening Date Revealed, Disneyland Announces 'Summer Of Heroes'
• You are God's Royalty
• Widower's ad looking for a fishing buddy is too sweet for words
• Rio Ferdinand: 'I've not grieved for my wife properly yet'