Human Rights Watch and the UN call for an investigation into the disappearance of Afghan activists

Media reports claim that two Afghan activists have been abducted from their homes, a claim which has been supported by the UN and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Earlier on Sunday, UNAMA expressed grave concern over the reported abduction from their homes of two Afghan women activists, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parawana Ibrahimkhel.

"We urge the Taliban to provide information on their whereabouts and to protect the rights of all Afghans," the UNAMA said.

Meanwhile, some women's rights activists staged gatherings in the capital Kabul and central province of Bamiyan, where they called for the release of Paryani and Ibrahimkhel.

"We are not aware of the location of the women who have been detained despite five days passing. Why is everyone silent... at least inform us about their health condition," said a participant.

"We call on the UN to hear the voice of Afghan women, especially the voice of female protesters because protesting is the right of every citizen. The protestors must not be suppressed," said Waheeda Amiri, a women's rights activist.

However, the Taliban government has denied the alleged arrests of these two activists, saying that it has started an investigation into the case.

"The investigation is underway to find out the truth, but we haven't found any clues about them. Efforts are underway," TOLO News quoted Bilal Karimi, a deputy spokesman, as saying.

The disappearance of Paryani and Ibrahimkhel sparked a widespread reaction among social media users in Afghanistan.

Some prominent Afghan figures condemned the crackdown on women rights activists' residences, saying such actions are not in accordance with human values.