Japanese child abduction issues in limelight at U.S. Congress & Japanese Diet this week

Here is a link to an event being held with Japanese Diet members in Tokyo this week, focusing on the Hague Convention and how other countries handle family law matters

http://www.meetup.com/Left-Behind-Parents-Japan/calendar/11972766/

Almost simultaneously, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. Congress is having hearings, which will include a look at the international child abduction problem with Japan.

Here is an updated schedule for the upcoming Congressional hearing on
International Child Abduction set for 2 December:

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC)

Hearing Announcement:

International Child Abduction and Parental Access

Wednesday, December 2
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Longworth 1310

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a timely hearing to
discuss barriers and solutions to the growing problem of international child
abduction. In the last three years, reported cases of international child
abduction have increased 60 percent. In some countries, such as Japan, no
mechanism exists for the return of American children. Current mechanisms for
resolving abductions with other countries, such as the Hague Convention on
the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, often fail for lack of
enforcement.

To discuss this important topic we welcome the following witnesses:

Panel I
Judge Peter Messitte, U.S. District Court, Maryland, and U.S.
Representative, Judicial Network on the Hague Convention on the Civil
Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Panel II
David Goldman, father of Sean Goldman who has been held in Brazil since 2004
Commander Paul Toland, father of Erika Toland who as been held in Japan
since 2003
Patrick Braden, father of Melissa Braden who has been held in Japan since
2006
Tom Sylvester, father of Carina Sylvester who has been held in Austria since
1995

Panel III
Patricia Apy, international child custody expert, law firm of Paras, Apy,
Reiss
Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children.

***Witness list subject to change.