Data reveal that 8,736 irregular Syrian migrants have arrived in Italy by sea in recent weeks, bringing the total number of Syrian arrivals this year through the end of September to 32,681. This figure represents the largest number from any country, overtaking 32,537 from Eritrea. According to the IOM Rome spokesperson, in September, there were more Syrians than Eritreans. Experts explain that both groups are fleeing from war and persecution: they represent almost half of the total number of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in Italy by sea. Moreover, some reports indicate that the number of Palestinian migrants has significantly increased in Italy over the past two months. Experts say that through the end of September, Italy received a total of some 4,223 people arriving by sea claiming Palestinian nationality. According to the IOM, these migrants include many Palestinians who were living in Syria and others who were living in Egypt. Additionally, the arrival of thousands of more migrants over the past month shows that few were discouraged by news of the tragic sinking of a vessel near Malta in early September. A report of the IOM from Egypt and Gaza has alarmingly indicated that whole families were traveling together on the vessel. To make an example of this serious situation, one family is believed to have had as many as 30 members on board. In this context, law enforcement agencies in three countries, Italy, Greece and Malta are investigating the incident, with assistance from Interpol. The gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Monday, 13 October 2014 (Source: IOM) This news has been realized by gLAWcal—Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the University Institute of European Studies (IUSE) in Turin, Italy and the University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy which are both beneficiaries of the European Union Research Executive Agency IRSES Project “Liberalism in Between Europe And China” (LIBEAC) coordinated by Aix-Marseille University (CEPERC). This work has been realized in the framework of Workpackages 4, coordinated by University Institute of European Studies (IUSE) in Turin, Italy.