Fiji, June 2 -- A quarter of Tonga's children are living in multidimensional poverty, with the youngest children and those in rural communities facing the greatest hardships, according to a new report released by the Government of Tonga and UNICEF.

The report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, found that 25.3 percent of children are deprived of multiple essential needs, including nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and adequate housing.

Based on data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the report examines how children are being left behind across key areas of wellbeing and highlights significant disparities across age groups and geographic locations.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua said the findings highligh...