Article is aimed at the research of normative and substantive content of the derogation from States` obligations in compliance with norms of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Provisions of the Covenant and other universal international treaties that contains the humanitarian and human rights obligations relative to the persons was analyzed. The relevant practice of the UN Human Rights Council, of the UN Commission on Human Rights and its SubCommission, of the UN Human Rights Committee, as much as the doctrinal sources was researched. The formation of the specific institute of the derogation from the States` own treaty in the areas of civil and politic rights was demonstrated. The actual distinctions between the derogation and mechanisms of the limitations of rights are proved. It is concluded that derogation is legally possible only in full compliance with international standards governing the grounds, forms and procedure for derogation
Keywords: derogation, exigencies of the situation, life of the nation, public emergency, human rights, limitation of rights, universal treaties