The challenge of determining the fate of missing persons in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSEC) region was the topic of a hearing held today by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

    Queen Noor of Jordon, Commissioner of the International Commission on Missing Persons, was the lead witness at the hearing.

    "Her Majesty, Queen Noor is an active patron, president, and board member of numerous national and international organizations, including United Nations organizations, in the areas of mother and child health care, education, women’s development, environmental protection, culture, and public architecture and planning," said . "In recognition of her efforts to advance development, democracy and peace, the Queen has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates in international relations, law, and humane letters, as well as other international awards.  She heads the Noor Al Hussein Foundation, which was established in 1985 to support development through educational, environmental, health care, and cultural initiatives." Click here to read the chairman's full statement.

    Other witnesses included Shawn A. Bray, Deputy Director, INTERPOL Washington, U.S. National Central Bureau, and Amor Masovic, Member of the Board of Directors of the Missing Persons Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina.