Italy's foreign ministry will give 3.5 million euros for twelve landmine clearance projects in war-torn countries in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South America, the ministry said on Tuesday.
Authorised by Italy's deputy foreign minister Emanuela Del Re, the funds will to go to projects in Libya, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Jordan, the statement said.
Besides clearing mines in current and former war zones, Italy's grant will go towards medical assistance for survivors and education and will also help fund research and campaigns to raise public awareness of international conventions on landmines, the statement added.
Partners in the 12 projects include The United Nations Mine Action Service and the Red Cross, according to the statement.