The article considers and analyses the features of inclusion of cultural heritage sites in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. A review of the methods and principles of the protection system of cultural heritage monuments included in this list, on the example of St. Sophia Cathedral of the National Conservation Area “St. Sophia in Kyiv”. The features of protection, preservation and use of cultural heritage monuments in accordance with the recommendations of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee based on the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage are highlighted. Of course, the preservation of cultural heritage is a long and continuous process. After all, the mere fact of including the monument in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List is not enough, as the distinctive features of the site – its universal value – may disappear due to mismanagement or the implementation of an unreasonable project. If a country does not fulfill its obligations under the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, its monuments may be excluded from the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Unfortunately, even the international community does not always manage to protect cultural heritage from crime. To date, the state of Ukraine has not implemented the possibility of entering cultural heritage sites in the International Register of Cultural Heritage Sites, which are under special protection. The general and special protection of monuments enshrined in the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Case of Armed Conflict is not supported by adequate provisions on liability in case of a violation of the provisions of this Convention.