The Italian Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday the allocation of 16 million euros to Libya and Niger as part of initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking and managing migration flows.

According to a statement issued by the Italian ministry, financial support of 8.5 million euros was distributed for three projects in Libya and 7.5 million for three projects in Niger. These projects aim to train local authorities, increase their capacity to manage the phenomenon of migration in accordance with human rights protection standards, training courses for migrants and host communities, as well as "the implementation of voluntary migrant returns."

The statement said activities were implemented to support the school system in Libya, "which will enable the creation of new educational opportunities for migrants and the communities that host them."

The Italian ministry said the projects were funded by the Farnesina Migration Fund for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the aid underscored the government's determination to strengthen its commitment to combating migrant smuggling and irregular migration in the central Mediterranean.

"We will support the operational capacities of Libya and Niger, to fight traffickers, offer concrete alternatives and training for young people, and at the same time we will relaunch the relationship between Italy and Africa in a sector that requires the full cooperation of all countries affected by the phenomenon of migration," he added.