The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) will hold a hearing Wednesday on international child abduction and parental access, including the cases involving David Goldman of Tinton Falls, Monmouth County N.J., and other left behind parents, said Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), an executive member of the TLHRC.

Witnesses:

• David Goldman, father of Sean Goldman, who has held in Brazil since 2004.
• Other left behind parents whose children are held in other countries: Commander Paul Toland, father of Erica Toland who has 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.
• The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children President and Chief Executive Officer, Ernie Allen.
• 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.
• Former Asst. Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (1989-93), Bernard Aronson.
• International child custody expert, attorney Patricia Apy.

When:              Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Where:             Longworth House Office Building, Room 1310 on the third floor.