On December 20, 1993, the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW) was unanimously adopted (without a vote) by the United Nations in the 48/104 resolution. DEVAW recognized the "urgent need for the universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity, and dignity of all human beings" and intentionally named and listed Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as an act of violence against women.

Assembly, United Nations General. A/RES/48/104 - Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women - UN Documents: Gathering a Body of Global Agreements, http://www.un-documents.net/a48r104.htm.