From advocacy to change: Pro bono’s pivotal role in the decades-long campaign to outlaw child marriage in Colombia

According to UNICEF, 4.5 million girls and women in Colombia are married before the age of 18 – around one in four. Of these, one million were married before they were 15. Those opposed to the ban have cited tradition and parental rights, and many representatives of Indigenous communities were against the change. Gender inequality and economic dependence have also contributed to the prevalence of child marriage in the country.

To combat the issue, TrustLaw, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono service connected NGOs, Fundación Renacer and Save the Children, with leading law firms in the region to bolster their campaigning for national laws to align with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

To celebrate this project’s nomination for an Impact Award as part of the 2025 TrustLaw Awards, we caught up with Nelson Rivera, Subdirector at Fundacion Renacer, and Atenas Caramuto, former Associate at Bruchou Funes de Rioja, to delve deeper into the impact and vision that drives their work forward.

What challenge were you facing or what legal information were you lacking?

“In the fight against trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls and boys, child marriage (early marital unions) was not recognised. The civil code allowed marriage from the age of 14, which contributed to its social normalization, hiding the burden of violence and sexual exploitation. ”

_{– Nelson Rivera}

Why were you interested in working on this project?

“We were drawn to this project because it addresses a critical and often under-discussed human rights issue: the protection of children from economic exploitation. While not all of us had a direct personal connection to the topic, we strongly believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of safeguarding the rights of children. In the context of Argentina’s current economic and social challenges—where rising poverty rates and inequality increase the risks of child labour—this project felt particularly urgent. The opportunity to contribute legal research that may later be used in educational and awareness-raising materials for children made the work especially meaningful.”

_{– Atenas Caramuto}

What did the pro bono lawyers provide to support you?

“A detailed analysis of the legislation in Latin American countries where child marriage had been prohibited, identifying the legal arguments on which this prohibition was based. ”

_{– Nelson Rivera}

How do you feel about the impact the work has had?

“We are proud of the tangible impact this work has already had. As a result of this very project on child marriage in Latin America, a specific law banning child marriage was passed in Colombia. Knowing that our legal research directly contributed to a legislative change that protects thousands of children is deeply rewarding. This reinforces our belief in the value of pro bono work and its capacity to drive systemic change. We hope the report continues to inform public policy and advocacy efforts across the region, including in Argentina, where child protection remains a pressing issue amid economic and social challenges.”

_{– Atenas Caramuto}

Why is it important for law firms to do pro bono projects like this one?

“Pro bono work allows law firms to align their professional practice with broader social and environmental values. Firms today are increasingly expected to go beyond profit and contribute meaningfully to the public good. By dedicating legal expertise to pro bono work, especially on issues like child protection and human rights, law firms demonstrate a commitment to justice and equality, while helping build more inclusive and sustainable communities.”

_{– Atenas Caramuto}

Did you learn anything specific from this case about how to carry out a successful pro bono project that you think would be helpful to share with other lawyers?

“This project underscored the necessity of a well-structured pro bono framework within a law firm. Having dedicated pro bono coordinators, clear internal protocols, and effective communication channels with partner organizations proved essential. Approaching pro bono work with the same level of professionalism and commitment as any client matter not only enhances the quality of the outcomes but also reinforces the firm’s dedication to social responsibility.”

_{– Atenas Caramuto}