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Religions urge integration of refugees

Switzerland's churches and the Swiss Federation of Jewish communities have called for better integration of refugees, pointing out these newcomers enrich society.

Ahead of World Refugee Day on Friday, a joint statement said all Christians and Jews should accept those in need of refuge and help them rebuild their lives.

The appeal also said that integration was not just the task of the authorities but that the population had a role to play.

Last month Switzerland faced new calls to accept a set number of refugees and to ensure asylum regulations do not exclude people refusing to serve in the armed forces.

The Geneva-based United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, said he hoped Switzerland would join the countries taking in a quota of refugees, mainly from Iraq.

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