According to the latest figures from the United Nations, around 30,000 people were killed in the tremor that rocked the southeastern city of Bam on December 26.

"The tragedy of Bam must drive the resolve of all actors, including UN agencies ... states, civil society and the private sector, to work towards the development of safe housing standards worldwide," said Miloon Kothari, special rapporteur on adequate housing of the UN Commission on Human Rights.

The durability of housing to withstand earthquakes and other emergencies was a fundamental human right, he said in a statement, noting that this "should guide the reconstruction efforts in Bam."

"Compliance with sound housing standards achieved progressively throughout the world can ensure that the loss of life, human suffering and homelessness resulting from natural disasters are minimized in the future," said Kothari.

Lessons learnt from previous tragedies -- such as the deadly earthquake in Gujarat, India in January 2001 -- including the active participation of locals in the reconstruction process, should be adopted when rebuilding Bam, he said.

With some 85 percent of buildings destroyed in the Iranian city, 45,000 people have been left homeless, a figure expected to rise to 75,000 when affected people return from stays with family or from medical treatment in other towns.

"According to UN sources ... the authorities estimate that a total of 15,000 semi-permanent shelters are urgently needed to ensure housing for the homeless, pending the reconstruction of homes," said Kothari.

On Thursday, the UN is scheduled to launch a multi-million-dollar flash appeal to help fund reconstruction and relief efforts in Bam.

TERRA.WIRE