Italy has allocated 16 million euros for illegal immigration-related projects in Libya and Niger, the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said.
The projects will take place in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
According to Tajani, 8.5 million euros target three projects in Libya, while 7.5 million will go to Niger.
The scheme includes training programs to help local authorities build up their capacity for managing the phenomenon of migration in compliance with human rights protection standards, the Italian top diplomat explains, affirming his country's support for Libya, in particular, to deal with irregular migration.
He said the support will cover the voluntary return program for migrants, which is being conducted by the IOM in cooperation with Libya, confirming his country's commitment to combating human trafficking and illegal immigration in the central Mediterranean.
