On 21 June 2019, The University of Strathclyde Law Clinic’s ‘The Asylum Project’ hosted the event: ‘So you say you come from…? Prove it!’ as part of Refugee Festival Scotland. The event highlighted how easy it can be for displaced people to fall through the cracks and end up stateless in a hostile environment.

The event started with interactive sessions aimed at testing memory and credibility, followed by a forum theatre piece based on a fictionalised asylum interview. The session demonstrated how nationality is assessed by the Home Office and gave the audience the chance to think about whether or not they would pass as nationals of their own country. It also showed the difficulties faced by someone whose nationality is disputed by the Home Office, and how difficult it can be to challenge this. 

Kirstie Webb reflected on the event saying:

“It was a pleasure to take part in such an important event, hosted by The Asylum Project (TAP). Participating in the forum theatre provided a small insight into the issues faced by our clients in asylum claims regarding nationality. I believe that exposure to these issues is essential to raise awareness and highlight how easy it can be to end up stateless.”

The T.A.P project will also be performing on 3 August 2019 as part of the JustFestival at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For more information or to sign up, follow the link.