United States

Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE)

Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) is a grassroots organization that was founded in Texas in 1972. It became a national organization in 1985.
CURE believes that prisons should be used only for those who absolutely must be incarcerated and that those who are incarcerated should have all of the resources they need to turn their lives around. The organisation also believes that human rights documents provide a sound basis for ensuring that criminal justice systems meet these goals.

CURE supports repeal of the death penalty in all states and the federal government in the US. The organisation believes that innocent people are executed, that the death penalty is administered inequitably and that it does not deter crime.
CURE is a membership organization. Its leaders come from the ranks of people formerly in prison and family members or friends of prisoners, and the vast majority of its funding comes from membership dues and contributions of members. It strives to provide its members with the information and tools necessary to help them understand the criminal justice system and to advocate for changes.

CURE has country chapters that are very active all over the world: Nigeria-CURE, Ghana-CURE, Kenya-CURE, Senegal-CURE, Burundi-CURE, Zambia-CURE, Malawi-CURE and Rwanda-CURE.

CURE has obtained consultative status with the United Nations, enabling it to participate in a wide range of discussions on issues affecting civil society. It is multi-layered with international, national, state/issue, and local chapters governed by CURE’s constitution and bylaws.

Date founded

1972

Structure type

NGO