As another example, considering the General Secretariat of Organization of American States in its aspect as depositary of inter-American treaties and agreements and of the instruments of ratification: with respect to the 53 treaties and their instruments of ratification, only 43 had entered into force as of July 1984.
2. Ratifying the [Convention on Biological Diversity] and the [Convention on Climate Change] can be particularly difficult for developing countries. This is partly because they have problems more pressing than global warming, such as debt, poverty, social strife and natural disaster. But another reason is the ratification process itself. Due to financial constraints, exacerbated by the cumbersome, complex and slow process, most developing countries are represented by a single delegate during the entire convention process. The persistence and dynamism of this sole representative is critical to getting the ratification process underway, and unless he or she takes the initiative in spurring the government to act, nothing will happen. Furthermore, these lone representatives are from specialized ministries or foreign affairs permanent missions, who then have to persuade other ministries, including the powerful economic and financial department, of the important of a coordinated national response to environmental matters. They, single-handedly, must take the matter through their own minister, explain the treaty obligations to other ministries, perhaps support the process through cabinet and legal scrutiny, and finally through parliament and Head of State approvals. The whole process can take months, or even years, depending on the diligence of government officials, the efficiency of the governmental machinery, and the nature of the legislative agenda.