Stephane Dion is calling on the UN Human Rights Council to review the appointment of Western University law professor Michael Lynk as its Special Rapporteur on human rights in Palestine.

LONDON, Ont. — Canada's foreign affairs minister is questioning the appointment of a Canadian law professor to a key United Nations job.

We call on @UN_HRC President to review this appointment & ensure Special Rapporteur has track record that can advance peace in region #HRC

Dion made his call in a tweet on Friday.

The message follows criticism by Jewish groups and the opposition who accused Lynk of having a long-held and public bias against Israel.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs issued a statement Thursday condemning Lynk's appointment, and Conservative MP Tony Clement echoed the group's sentiments.

Dion did not elaborate on Twitter, but the minister's office said he is concerned about past statements Lynk has made, noting that the Ontario professor would have applied on his own to be a UN Special Rapporteur.

"They are not nominated by their states and anyone can apply directly to the UN; this candidate was not put forward by Canada and does not represent the views of this government," Dion's office said in an emailed statement.

The statement also said Canada's UN ambassador made it clear the human rights council should appoint a "professional, neutral and credible" candidate.

"This candidate was not put forward by Canada and does not represent the views of this government."

Lynk did not immediately respond to an email about Dion's concerns.

He said on Thursday that he was aware of the controversy around his appointment but contended that his writings and views were being misrepresented.

The professor declined further comment but said he would speak further once he had the chance to confer with the UN over the details of his new position.