How can human trafficking of migrants be stopped?

Current figures suggest that at any one time around 2.5 million people are being trafficked for use as illegal labour, prostitution of both women and men, drug trading and paedophile activities. Human Trafficking is the modern equivalent of historical slavery. Corruption in government and higher authorities often contributes to human trafficking and many countries weakly penalise those that are caught dealing in humans as goods. Often action groups focus on providing information and raising awareness which helps identify traffickers or trafficking situations. This is in addition to providing support and guidance for those who have been rescued from trafficking. However often these are reactionary responses. Increasing national penalties for traffickers may assist in acting as a deterrent, however the people who carry out the physical activities are likely not those who benefit to the financial maximum. Individual countries are also likely to implement their own rules. In Europe, standard legislation could be passed with regard to all member nations in respect of minimum penalties. A European-wide force could also be authorised to investigate trafficking crimes and have jurisdiction over the authorities of each member state to take the investigation further and so usurp the power of those behind the problem.