This paper was written in anticipation of the International Conference on Indochinese Refugees (ICIR), held in June 1989 in Geneva (Switzerland). The ICIR was convened to respond to chronic refugee problems in the region, first addressed in the July 1979 Meeting in Geneva on the Situation of Refugees and Displaced Persons in Southeast Asia. It is the intent of the paper to draw attention to the opportunities and potential pitfalls presented by the Comprehensive Plan of Action slated to be adopted at the Conference. The paper is comprised of a foreword, an introduction, and four sections. The first section, "The Refugee Situation in Southeast Asia," describes the history and scope of the problem. The second section, "The 1989 International Conference on Indochinese Refugees," reviews events leading up to the ICIR. The third section, "The Comprehensive Plan of Action," comprises the following parts: (1) "The Broad Framework"; (2) "Deterrence of 'Clandestine Departures'"; (3) "Programs for Legal Departure"; (4) "Ensuring Safe Arrival and Protection for Asylum Seekers"; (5) "Determination of Refugee Status"; (6) "Continued Resettlement of Refugees"; (7) "Repatriation"; (8) "The Situation of Laotian Refugees in Thailand"; and (9) "Cambodian Displaced Persons at the Thai Border." The fourth section, "Conclusion," recapitulates the need for international consensus. The paper includes one table. (AF)