On Saturday, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, initiated a new set of measures aimed at tackling human trafficking in Libya and Niger.
In a statement, the Italian Foreign Ministry underscored its commitment to collaborate with African nations in order to contribute to the management of migratory flows and amplify efforts to fight against human trafficking.
“Upon the recommendation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, the programming of the 2023 Migration Fund has been updated, particularly aimed at bolstering Italy’s operations along the central route of the Mediterranean Sea,” the translated statement read.
Further, the statement revealed the launch of a series of actions to be implemented in Libya and Niger, supported by funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the benefit of the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The Ministry statement specified that “€16 million has been allocated, with €8.5 million earmarked for three projects in Libya and €7.5 million set aside for three projects in Niger.”
Among various actions adopted, the statement mentioned the execution of training activities for local authorities to enhance their ability to manage migration phenomena while adhering to human rights protection standards. It also noted the provision of training courses for migrants and host communities, as well as facilitating voluntary return operations.
Activities supporting the education system in Libya will be carried out, offering new learning opportunities for migrants and their host communities.
In his statement, Tajani affirmed, “with this new bundle of measures, the Italian government reinforces its determination to intensify its commitment to combatting the smuggling of migrants and irregular migration in the central Mediterranean Sea.”
He continued, “we will enhance the operational capabilities of Libya and Niger to combat human traffickers, offer practical alternatives and training for young people, and at the same time, we will reestablish the relationship between Italy and Africa in a sector that requires full cooperation from all countries affected by the phenomenon of migration.”
