The terror attacks in Paris show how the freedoms taken for granted can be threatened by those out to cause harm, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil has said.
Mr Neil - who was launching a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of human rights - said that such freedoms should be "protected at all costs".
The scheme, christened #FlyTheFlag for human rights, was launched as research carried out by YouGov found one in five Scots believe human rights are for minority groups only.
The aim of the campaign is to show people that human rights can be related to the wider population on a daily basis and contribute significantly to an equal and liberal society.
Mr Neil said: "In the last few days, with the terrible tragedy in Paris, we have seen how easily the freedoms we take for granted can be threatened by those who would seek to cause harm.
"Creating a better understanding of our human rights is important and will help build a stronger and more cohesive society, which is more fair and equal.
"Human rights are for everyone and they should be protected at all costs. As a modern, progressive country we have a duty to uphold the highest standards.
"Many of us enjoy the benefits, freedoms and protection that human rights offer us without actually knowing much about the rights themselves, and without that knowledge it can be hard for us to reaffirm and protect them."
The campaign has the support of the Scottish Human Rights Commission and a number of other partners involved in the implementation of Scotland's National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP).
Professor Alan Miller, chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, said: "This campaign can help raise awareness and understanding, which in turn can lead to more Scots claiming human rights for themselves and encourages public bodies and private companies to do more to respect human rights for everyone in Scotland."
Susan and Gerrie Douglas-Scott, Scotland's first female same-sex married couple and equal marriage campaigners, also praised the project.
Susan said: "We were the first lesbian couple to have a legal marriage ceremony in Scotland, which was an incredible experience that we'll never forget.
"After 18 years together as a loving couple, our relationship had finally been given the same recognition in law and society as all other married couples."
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