David Miliband: 'Syria is facing an absolute catastrophe'

The United Nations has announced its biggest ever appeal, seeking $6.5bn (£4bn; 4.7bn euros) for humanitarian aid to Syria.

The UN estimates nearly three-quarters of Syria's 22.4 million population will need humanitarian aid in 2014.

The appeal coincides with a new study by the International Rescue Committee, which warns of the threat of starvation.

The BBC's Huw Edwards spoke to David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, via an internet link to New York.