Astrid van Genderen Stort

Astrid van Genderen Stort has a diverse and extensive work experience in various roles related to human rights and humanitarian assistance. Astrid started their career in 1995 with UNHCR, where they served as a Program and Durable Solutions officer in China, focusing on income-generating projects for refugees from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and elsewhere. Astrid also worked as a Spokesperson/PI Officer in UNHCR China, where they raised awareness about refugee issues in China and neighboring countries.

Astrid then took on the role of Protection/Field officer and UNHCR spokesperson at the Blace border during the Kosovo crisis, providing direct assistance to refugees and ensuring their entry into fYRoM. Astrid later served as a Protection/Field officer in Gjakova/Djakovica, Kosovo, where they provided assistance and protection to returning Kosovar citizens and supported minority groups.

Astrid then worked as a Public Information/Spokesperson in UNHCR Prishtine/Pristina, Kosovo, and played a role in the return of minority community members and reintegration in Kosovo. Astrid also assisted during the crisis in southern Serbia and fYR of Macedonia.

In 2000, Astrid became the Regional Spokesperson covering West Africa and advised senior management on political and humanitarian developments in the region. Astrid also served as the Sr Field Officer/Spokesperson during the Liberia crisis, providing assistance and care to internally displaced persons.

From 2004 to 2008, Astrid served as a Sr Spokesperson for UNHCR, covering crisis-prone areas such as the Middle East, North Africa, Central and southwest Asia. Astrid actively used Public Information (PI) as a protection tool and highlighted major problems, protracted crises, and protection concerns, advocating for support, funding, and protection.

Astrid then joined the IASC Secretariat in 2014 as the Chief, contributing to coordinated policy development, decision-making, and interventions on the ground for humanitarian assistance.

Astrid returned to UNHCR in 2016 as the Chief Policy and Capacity Development for the UNHCR DESS emergency division, focusing on policy development and capacity building. Astrid also served as the Chief of Section, Emergencies and Marketing in the private sector partnership service, Chief Emergencies and External Engagement, and Sr Coordinator Duty of Care UNHCR.

Most recently, Astrid joined the United Nations Human Rights in 2023 as the Chief External Outreach and Partnerships Division, where they continue to utilize their expertise in external outreach and partnerships.

Astrid van Genderen Stort's education history begins in 1987 when they pursued a Master of Arts degree in International Relations (int law) at the University of Amsterdam. Astrid completed this program in 1993. In 1991 and 1992, Astrid van Genderen Stort attended the Beijing International Studies University, where they obtained a diploma in Chinese language studies. In 2009, they enrolled at the Shaney Institute of Health Sciences, where they acquired a diploma in Arabic classical language. Also in 2009, Astrid van Genderen Stort engaged in Middle Eastern studies as an auditor at the American University of Beirut.