Dr. Astrid Barrondo is a globally recognized expert in international human rights law and justice reform. With a Ph.D. and multiple postgraduate degrees from top European universities, she has led impactful legal, research, and advocacy initiatives across Latin America, Europe, and North America. From litigating landmark cases before the Inter-American Court to training government officials on anti-corruption strategies, Astrid has remained at the forefront of global justice advocacy. Her extensive publications and advisory work reflect her commitment to defending the rights of the most vulnerable, especially Indigenous peoples, women, and laborers. Fluent in Spanish and English, she is a powerhouse of legal intellect, human rights dedication, and cross-border collaboration.
lawyer, researcher, and educator with over two decades of
experience in transitional justice, anti-corruption, indigenous
rights, and international criminal law. With a Ph.D. from
Universidad Carlos III of Madrid and multiple master’s degrees
in human rights and international law, Astrid has held key roles
in the Inter-American system, United Nations bodies, and
international NGOs. Her depth of expertise spans high-impact
litigation, legal advising, academic instruction, and technical
consultancy making her a globally respected voice on justice
reform, environmental accountability, and marginalized
communities’ rights.
− Bolivia: Regional researcher (indigenous rights consultation frameworks)
− Canada: Anti-corruption consultant
− Colombia: Moot court trainer, lecturer
− Guatemala: Legal advisor, litigator, consultant, researcher, human rights advocate
− Peru: Guest lecturer on Latin American law reform
− Spain: Doctoral researcher, guest lecturer, legal intern
− Venezuela: UN OHCHR consultant for justice reform
− USA: Educator, expert witness, summer fellow, volunteer
− Finland, Italy, Austria, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Montenegro: Course participant or conference presenter on human rights and law
2001–2004: Lawyer, researcher, consultant – Guatemala (Myrna Mack Foundation, NGOs, FAO, UNHCHR)
• 2004–2009: Legal Advisor, Researcher – Guatemala (Pastoral de la Tierra, ASIES, Madre Selva Collective, ActionAid)
• 2009–2019: Legal Officer – International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
• 2020–2021: Anti-Corruption Consultant – Justice Education Society (Canada), ABA (USA)
• 2021–2022: Researcher – FILAC Bolivia; Consultant – OHCHR Venezuela
• 2022: Consultant – International Platform Against Impunity
• 2023–2024: Counselor – International Criminal Law; Project Coordinator – Centro de Apoyo Comunitario; Immigration Expert Witness
• 2024–present: Director of Final Master’s Thesis – University of La Rioja
• Ongoing roles: Pro bono human rights lawyer, educator (UPenn, PUCP, Montréal), guest speaker
The ineffectiveness of labor justice for Guatemalan agricultural workers – Rapoport Center (2008)
The inefficiency of labor justice – Guatemala (2008)
Legal situation of biosecurity and FTAs in Guatemala – Action Aid, Brazil (2008)
Santa Cecilia Estate: A Human Rights Violation? – Guatemala (2006)
Oil Exploitation and Human Rights Violations in Laguna del Tigre – Guatemala (2004)