"Recently, the military regime indicated it might establish a human rights commission in Burma...the article considers the practicalities of establishing an effective human rights commission under Burma?s current governance. The human rights commission being contemplated is a type of body existing in many countries and internationally known as a National Human Rights Institution (?NHRI?). The article provides a general background of NHRIs, notes the existing NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific, and addresses some main features of an NHRI. Then, with this background, an analysis is made of the relevant factors in Burma. It is hoped this will provide a basic explanation about NHRIs, which may assist in the ongoing discussion on how such a body could feature in Burma?s future..."