Italy offers aid to Libya to Limit illegal migration to Europe

Rome: Italy announced aid to Libya and Niger to establish projects aimed at “limiting the arrival of illegal migrants to Italian shores”.

Head of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi and head of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah were on a scheduled visit to Italy on Saturday to attend the International Conference on Development and Migration, organized by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

The FM announced the allocation of 8.5 million euros to three projects in Libya and 7.5 million euros to three projects in Niger.

A statement by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the aid will help train local authorities in improving their abilities in managing illegal migration in line with international human rights. The trainings will also focus on the voluntary return of migrants.

Funds will also be dedicated to supporting the school system and creating new educational opportunities for the migrants and the host communities.

Tajani said the pledge underscores his government’s commitment to combat illegal migration.

He vowed to offer operational capabilities to Libya and Niger to help them combat traffickers.

Tunisia has become the main stepping stone for illegal migration to Italy, Europe’s gateway, replacing Libya, where widespread abuse of migrants has been reported.

Of the 76,325 migrant arrivals in Italy so far this year until last Sunday, 44,151 took the sea route from Tunisia compared to 28,842 leaving from Libya, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.